MLB Insider Shares Critical Insight On Alex Bregman-Red Sox Deal

Alex Bregman reportedly is joining the Red Sox, but it remains to be seen how long he will play in Boston.

The star third baseman reportedly accepted a three-year, $120 million deal with the storied franchise. However, the agreement reportedly includes a pair of opt-outs, which means Bregman could play the 2025 season with the Red Sox and then test MLB free agency again next year.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal addressed that potential scenario in a column published shortly after the blockbuster news broke.

“Bregman should not lack for motivation,” Rosenthal wrote. “He turned down a six-year, $171.5 million deal from the Tigers, according to a source briefed on his negotiations, a proposal $15.5 million above the Astros’ initial six-year offer. If he opts out after Year 1, he will need to sign a five-year contract for more than $131.5 million to beat the Tigers’ proposed guarantee, which like the Red Sox’s deal reportedly included deferrals. Such a number likely would be difficult for Bregman to attain entering his age-32 season. But a big year also might persuade the Red Sox to rework his deal.”

Rosenthal’s breakdown suggested Bregman won’t be a one-and-done player in Boston. But even if the two-time World Series champion only plays a single season with the Red Sox, Boston is comfortably poised to handle his departure thanks to a robust farm system.

Thus, Craig Breslow and company deserve quite a bit of credit for how they handled negotiations with one of the best players available this offseason.