Alex Bregman will opt out of his contract with the Red Sox, as expected, a source told MLB.com executive reporter Mark Feinsand.
Bregman, who will turn 32 in March, is through the first year of a three-year, $120 million deal he signed in February after nine seasons in Houston.
Despite his being sidelined by a right quad strain for almost two months, Bregman’s first year in the AL East was a clear success. He had a slash line of .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games. Bregman was named an All-Star for the first time since he received back-to-back honors from 2018-19.
Where the veteran third baseman’s career could take him from here is another question, but it wouldn’t necessarily be a surprise to anyone if Bregman remains in Boston, where his veteran leadership was appreciated, particularly by the host of young infielders who became integral to the Red Sox’s lineup in the second half.
The Red Sox also, notably, valued Bregman’s presence at third to the extent that they were willing to sever ties with Rafael Devers, who was traded to the Giants in June. The Devers deal importantly took a hefty contract off Boston’s books, potentially increasing the likelihood of a long-term extension for Bregman.
If Bregman and the Red Sox are unable to come to an agreement this winter, a few teams are expected to have interest, chief among them the Tigers, who reportedly made Bregman a six-year, $171.5 million offer last winter. Choosing Detroit would also mean a reunion for Bregman and A.J. Hinch, his manager with the Astros from 2016-19.
The Blue Jays and Mariners, both likely to be on the lookout for a long-term solution at third base this offseason, have been floated as potential landing spots. Reporting from Jon Heyman in the New York Post named the Royals as a surprise suitor.
