Why MLB Insider Expects Red Sox’s Alex Bregman To Opt Out This Offseason

Testing free agency again may not be a difficult decision for Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan predicted last week that Bregman would opt out of his contract’s remaining two years and $80 million this offseason. The insider explained his rationale when appearing on NESN’s “310 To Left” podcast on Thursday.

“Alex Bregman signed a contract that was nowhere close to what he wanted,” Passan said. “He salvaged that deal by getting the $40 million a year of average annual value and by getting those opt-outs. But let’s not forget, Alex Bregman went into last offseason seeking $200 million or so. And when it didn’t materialize, he went and he took the best deal there.

“Why has anything changed in the year since when he’s had a really good season?”

Bregman missed significant time with a quad injury earlier this season, but he was still named to his third All-Star team by batting .299/.385/.553 before he landed on the injured list. Although he’s yet to go deep during a slow start to September, the 31-year-old boasts a 3.2 fWAR in 101 games.

Bregman has the highest average annual value of any third baseman, but Passan thinks he wouldn’t have much trouble landing a more lucrative long-term deal if he hits the open market.

“If Alex Bregman is out there as a free agent, is he going to make more than two years and $80 million? Yes. Like, significantly more,” Passan claimed. “And so, why wouldn’t he opt out? He could go back to the Red Sox, if he opts out, tomorrow and get that same two-year, $80 million deal. They would be happy to pay something like that.”

Beyond his results, Passan cited Bregman’s intangible values as a team leader.

“There are certain guys who are just magnetic,” Passan said. “…They got aura.”