Alex Bregman is set to become a free agent once again this winter. While he has not officially opted out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox, it is all but official for when the season officially ends following the World Series.
Bregman has played one year out of his three-year deal and earned $40 million out of a possible $120 million with the Red Sox. It’s extremely unlikely he will make $40 million per year with another team, but he will be seeking the same thing he sought last winter: a long-term deal.
He will join Mets first baseman Pete Alonso as two players to test the market in two consecutive offseasons. Former general manager Jim Bowden believes Bregman will sign a six-year deal worth $182 million.
“Bregman has an opt-out in his contract with the Red Sox and his camp has already indicated that he plans to test the free-agent market for a second straight offseason,” Bowden wrote for The Athletic. “He battled a quad injury for a good part of the 2025 season, and still managed to slash .273/.360/.462 with 28 doubles, 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 495 plate appearances, though he was significantly less productive after returning from the IL (.727 OPS) than he had been before the injury (.927 OPS). Contract prediction: 6-years, $182 million.”
Despite having a downturn when he returned from injury, it won’t hurt Bregman’s value in free agency this winter. All 30 teams know what kind of player Bregman is both offensively and defensively. A few months’ worth of lesser performances won’t turn anyone away.
“He will be sought-after in free agency as the industry views him as a winning player who can contribute on both sides of the ball and perform on the biggest stage in the biggest moments,” added Bowden. “He’ll likely seek a long-term contract instead of settling for a shorter-term deal like he did last year. By opting out of his deal with the Red Sox, he’s walking away from a guaranteed $41.67 million in each of the next two seasons.”
Bowden lists a reunion with the Red Sox as a best fit along with several other teams, including the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. Boston will have a plethora of decisions to make as it could be in the mix for a potential Kyle Schwarber reunion as well.
Bregman’s market will be very intense this winter, and any team interested in his services should expect a bidding war.
More MLB: Dodgers Only Have Themselves to Blame for Awful Bullpen Performances
