Alex Bregman Rumors Reveal Red Sox Contract Offer Before $175M Cubs Deal in 2026 MLB Free Agency

Alex Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, taking one of the most highly-regarded free agents off the market.

The Boston Red Sox were certainly surprised that they lost out on the chance to re-sign him, as ESPN's Buster Olney reported Sunday:

Bregman, 31, chose to opt out of a $40 million player option with the Red Sox for the 2026 season, a decision that proved wise. While he'll make $5 million less in AAV, his current deal offers more long-term security (and the Cubs will benefit from the deal's deferrals).

Bregman hit .273 with 18 homers, 64 runs, 62 RBI and a .821 OPS in 114 games during his lone season with Boston, though injuries slowed down what was a promising start to his tenure (he had 11 homers by May 23, when a quad injury sidelined him until July 11).

And now the Red Sox find themselves in need of a contingency after the Cubs splashed the cash to land Bregman.