Alex Bregman’s arrival in Boston might be shorter than Red Sox fans hope. The All-Star third baseman’s new $120 million contract includes opt-outs after both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and he’s already hinting at testing the market again.
“I believe in my ability,” Bregman said at his introductory press conference. “And I look forward to proving it.”
The Red Sox landed Bregman as part of their aggressive offseason makeover that includes Garrett Crochet, Aroldis Chapman, and Patrick Sandoval. His right-handed power bat fills a crucial lineup need, and his defensive skills at third could let Rafael Devers shift to DH.
But there’s plenty of evidence suggesting Bregman sees Boston as a stepping stone. He turned down a $171.5 million offer from Detroit before signing with the Red Sox, suggesting he’s betting on himself to earn even more after a strong 2025 campaign.
It’s a strategy that’s worked well for others lately. Blake Snell parlayed one year with the Giants into a $182 million payday from the Dodgers. Carlos Correa and Matt Chapman both turned short-term deals into larger extensions with their teams after proving their worth.
Even Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, seems to be planning on an opt-out. “There’s some players you’d never do this with,” Boras said. “But with a guy like Alex Bregman, he’s just built with an understanding of himself, a confidence, he trusts his preparation.”
The way things are shaping up, the Red Sox might need to start thinking about their next move at third base sooner rather than later.
