The MLB offseason kicked off after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series for the second straight year. For the Boston Red Sox, this means addressing free agents like Alex Bregman, who opted out of his contract, and preparing arbitration projections for several players. Key deadlines loom in the coming weeks.
The conclusion of the World Series on late Saturday night marked the start of the 2025-26 MLB offseason, with the Los Angeles Dodgers as reigning champions. For the Boston Red Sox, the Herald's tracker highlights immediate roster implications.
On November 3, third baseman Alex Bregman opted out of the remaining two years of his three-year contract with the Red Sox. Right-hander Lucas Giolito also declined his mutual option, joining other free agents including left-hander Steven Matz, right-hander Dustin May, outfielder Rob Refsnyder, and left-hander Justin Wilson.
Giolito stands as Boston's sole qualifying offer-eligible player this year, with the qualifying offer set at a record $22.05 million. Teams can extend it to free agents who spent the full season on the roster and haven't received one before; acceptance secures a one-year deal, while rejection leads to draft pick compensation for the former team.
Arbitration-eligible players face projected salaries via MLB Trade Rumors: left-hander Brennan Bernardino at $1.1 million, first baseman Triston Casas at $1.7 million, right-hander Kutter Crawford at $2.75 million, outfielder Jarren Duran at $8.4 million (with a 2026 team option of $8 million and $100,000 buyout), infielder Romy Gonzalez at $1.8 million, right-hander Tanner Houck at $3.95 million, first baseman Nathaniel Lowe at $13.5 million, right-hander Josh Winckowski at $800,000, and catcher Connor Wong at $1.6 million.
Key offseason dates include the fifth day after the World Series for option decisions and qualifying offers; November 10-13 General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas; November 18 deadline for qualifying offer acceptances and 40-man roster finalizations; November 21 tender deadline; and December 8-11 Winter Meetings in Orlando.