Per Boston Red Sox reporter Tyler Milliken and “The Boston Globe,” retaining all-star third baseman Alex Bregman this offseason remains a priority for the team. Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Sox last offseason, but has exercised his opt-out clause following the 2025 season.
Very interesting report after what we heard from Ken Rosenthal this morning.
Now that he is on the open market and seemingly looking for a long-term contract, the Red Sox still maintain that keeping him in Boston is a priority for them. According to Milliken’s report, sources both inside and outside the organization agree on this point.
Boston had a chance while Bregman was with the team this season to extend him to a longer deal, but didn’t pull the trigger on anything, which led to his ultimate opt-out of the final two years of his deal.
Now, retaining him might come at a higher price. Bregman has already garnered interest from at least two other teams during the winter meetings in the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago Cubs. With multiple teams seemingly ready to get into a bidding war, the Red Sox have to be wary of how high they’re willing to go if they want to keep some money to sign other impact free agents.
Bregman’s Impact In Boston In 2025
Boston does have the upper hand with Bregman as he spent the 2025 season with the organization, and by all accounts seemed to really enjoy his time with the team. Not only was he named to the all-star team for providing the Sox with a strong bat and good glove at third base, he was also a mentor to many of Boston’s young prospects just making the jump to the MLB.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora initially pushed the front office to sign Bregman last season as the two worked together in Houston, where Cora was a bench coach while Bregman was the Astros‘ third baseman. Bregman’s leadership on and off the field was apparent this season, another positive for the Red Sox if they can re-sign him.
Boston also needs Bregman (or at least a player like him), considering they traded away Rafael Devers last season. Bregman fills the need at both third base and in the middle of the lineup; losing him would likely force youngster Marcelo Mayer into the starting third baseman position, which isn’t his natural spot as a middle infielder.
MLB Free Agents Beginning to Sign As Winter Meetings Progress
Boston missed out on the first big name on the market this morning, as former Red Sox Kyle Schwarber signed a five-year, $150 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Though Schwarber was more of a secondary target for Boston, it is a disappointing start to free agency for the team.
Closer Edwin Diaz also signed a three-year, $169 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday morning. Money is already being thrown around, and the Red Sox need to start opening the checkbook if they want to have any chance at landing a big name like Bregman, Pete Alonso, or any of the other free agents still on the market.
Red Sox Set Alex Bregman Priorities Straight During Winter Meetings