Alex Bregman remains one of the top free agents on the market after opting out of his deal with the Boston Red Sox. He’s betting on himself for a bigger payday, and there’s a good chance he’ll get it.
The twist? He might end up right back where he started.
CBS Sports writer R.J. Anderson released his latest free agency predictions this week, and he’s got Bregman returning to Boston.
“Despite missing nearly two months on account of a strained quad, Bregman had a strong enough showing with the Red Sox to opt out of his three-year contract. He’s been linked to most of the same teams from last winter — the Red Sox, naturally, as well as the Cubs and Tigers — and some surprising clubs like the Blue Jays and Diamondbacks. Inertia is a most powerful force, making Boston the pick here. Wherever he lands, he’s likely to set off a domino effect.”
The Tigers have been viewed as Boston’s biggest competition. When Bregman left the Houston Astros last winter, Detroit pushed the Red Sox harder than anyone in the bidding.
Bregman chose Boston then, but that’s exactly the kind of thing that would make the Tigers determined not to get outbid this time around.
The Cubs entering the mix adds another layer of complexity. They’re a big-market club with the resources to make a serious push, and Chicago’s always been an attractive destination for star players.
It’s not clear which way Bregman’s leaning at this point. We’ll have to wait and see how it plays out in the coming weeks.
But the fact that Boston’s still in serious contention after Bregman already spent a season there? That’s probably a good sign for the Red Sox’s chances of keeping their third baseman around.
