BOSTON — Alex Bregman became an incredible difference-maker for the Red Sox in 2025, despite missing two months with a quad injury that likely induced a grueling September slump.
Bregman sported an OPS over .900 before his May 23 injury that earned him one of Boston’s three All-Star selections. His value on a three-year, $120 million contract spanned far beyond the numbers he put up at third base. He instantly took top prospects Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell under his wing in spring training. He dug into matchups to prepare Red Sox pitchers to attack on the mound. His baseball mind served nearly as much as his player production.
All of that impact in Boston could be limited to just one season for the Red Sox. Bregman has the first of two opt-out clauses in his contract that could open the door back to free agency for him this winter. Bregman has until five days following the conclusion of the World Series to decide his choice.
The Red Sox will certainly have work to do this winter to retain Bregman. That pursuit must be a priority and Red Sox leadership understands such magnitude.
“Obviously, Alex has the right that’s structed in his contract to opt out,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Monday at Fenway Park. “He’s going to do what’s best for his family. At the same time, I will not miss an opportunity to talk about his contributions on the field, in the clubhouse, to the coaching staff, to the front office. Every conversation we had, I learned something. That impact rubbed off on his teammates. By all accounts, he’s enjoyed his time in Boston as well.”
“We’ll let that play out, but the significance would be having a great player, a proven winner, a strong defender that fits us really well on our roster,” Breslow added.
Bregman earned his ninth consecutive trip to the postseason as the Red Sox ended a four-year playoff drought. Bregman delivered a key insurance run in Boston’s Game 1 win in the Wild Card series against the Yankees. New York responded with two straight wins to eliminate the Red Sox.
Boston will also wait on the opt-out decision of Trevor Story, who has two years left on his contract following a resurgent 2025 season that included north of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
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