All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman has opted out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox, forgoing two years and $80 million to test the free agent market. The 31-year-old enjoyed a productive season in Boston despite a midseason quad injury. Analysts predict he could secure a six-year, $150 million deal with several teams showing interest.
Alex Bregman, who turns 32 in March, signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox last offseason that included opt-outs after each season. He exercised the opt-out earlier this month, leaving $80 million on the table to pursue a long-term deal. In his only season with the Red Sox, Bregman slashed .273/.360/.462, recording 28 doubles and 18 home runs over 114 games while providing strong defense at third base.
Bregman's performance was split by a quad injury: he posted a .938 OPS in 52 games before the injury and .724 OPS in 63 games after. Despite the setback, he set career highs in average exit velocity at 90.1 mph and hard-hit rate at 44.4%, surpassing MLB averages of 89.4 mph and 40.9%. His strengths include excellent plate discipline, hard contact, and clutch defense, though concerns linger about his age and pull-heavy approach suiting certain ballparks.
Contract projections compare Bregman to Freddie Freeman's six-year, $162 million deal at age 32, suggesting a similar six-year, $150 million pact is feasible. Potential landing spots include the Red Sox, who traded Rafael Devers and need a right-handed bat for Fenway Park; the New York Mets, to bolster infield defense; the Detroit Tigers, reuniting with manager A.J. Hinch; the Toronto Blue Jays, as a Bo Bichette replacement; and the Philadelphia Phillies, to upgrade offense.
The Red Sox remain focused on infield additions, including a power bat, amid broader offseason plans like bolstering their rotation and bullpen.