Alex Bregman Reportedly Set to Opt Out of Red Sox Contract, Test 2025 MLB Free Agency

Veteran third baseman Alex Bregman has been a perfect fit for the Boston Red Sox in his first year with the team, but he reportedly could be a one-and-done in Beantown.

Bregman's three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox includes opt-outs after each of the first two seasons, and ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that "barring an injury or catastrophic slump, he will opt out" to become one of the top free agents on the market this winter.

Bregman has appeared in 95 games for the 78-63 Red Sox and is hitting .281, his highest batting average since the 2019 season when he was still with the Houston Astros. He's added 16 home runs and 54 RBI, earning his third career All-Star selection and first since 2019.

Passan reported that Bregman's fit in Boston has been "exceptional," and not just because of his solid season at the plate. The 31-year-old reportedly "has taken over the Red Sox's clubhouse and become their unquestioned leader: a baseball rat whose wisdom is exceeded by his willingness to help his teammates find the best versions of themselves."

Still, the chance to secure a larger deal this offseason could be too great for Bregman to pass up. Passan named the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers as "teams in need of better production at third that might be willing to spend for what Bregman provides." Passan also predicted that he appears "bound to get the five-year-plus deal at an average annual value of $35 million-plus that eluded him last winter."

The Red Sox are holding onto an AL wild-card spot and appear poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Perhaps some postseason success could convince Bregman to stick around for a few more years, but Boston will have a hard time holding onto him if he hits the open market.