MLB Insider Predicts Big Free-Agent Payday For Red Sox’s Alex Bregman

Alex Bregman has been a revelation in his first season with the Boston Red Sox. As a result, he’ll likely re-enter free agency this offseason.

Bregman’s three-year, $120 million contract includes an opt-out after the 2025 season. Although he’s currently mired in a slump, the third baseman will likely exercise that clause since he’s batting .281/.364/.485 with a 3.1 WAR in 95 games this season.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan examined Bregman’s upcoming offseason when previewing the free-agent landscape. The MLB insider anticipates Bregman opting out and receiving a sizable long-term contract.

“It will take more than three years this time even though he’ll be going into his age-32 season,” Passan wrote. “After one of the more lucrative pillow contracts ever, Bregman is bound to get the five-year-plus deal at an average annual value of $35 million-plus that eluded him last winter.”

Bregman currently has the highest average annual value (AAV) of any third baseman. That would remain the case if he exceeds the $35 million AAV of a disastrous Anthony Rendon deal that ends after the 2026 campaign.

While Bregman likely won’t challenge Manny Machado’s $350 million to land the largest total contract at the hot corner, he could become the sixth third baseman (including Carlos Correa, who just moved from shortstop after a midseason trade) making $200 million.

Passan noted that the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Detroit Tigers are among the prominent contenders who could splurge to upgrade the position this offseason. Interest from big-market clubs would drive up the price, but Passan believes the Red Sox would like Bregman back to lead a group of rising young stars.

“Boston recognizes what it would be losing were Bregman to embark elsewhere,” Passan wrote. “The excellent at-bats. The glove at third base. The relationships with Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell he forged during spring training. The attitude. The focus. The feeling that in this next incarnation of the Red Sox, he belongs somewhere in the middle.”

Bregman has halted extension talks with Boston to focus on a playoff push. The two-time World Series champion could bolster his market value by steering the Red Sox deep into the postseason.