Bregman to opt out of Red Sox contract, opens free-agent market

Alex Bregman plans to opt out of the final two years of his three‑year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, people familiar with the situation said, setting up one of the offseason's most consequential free‑agent races for a third baseman. The decision, expected to be formalized in the days after the World Series, will make Bregman, who turned 32 next March, available to every club and leave Boston weighing whether to match a long‑term offer or replace him internally or on the market.

Bregman signed with Boston last winter on a deal that included opt outs after each season. He hit .273 with 18 home runs, 62 RBIs and roughly a 3.5 wins‑above‑replacement mark in 2025 while missing 43 games with a quad strain. Red Sox officials praised his on‑field production and clubhouse leadership, but they also acknowledge the business reality. Red Sox game‑planning and run‑prevention coach Jason Varitek said in a recent interview, "It's definitely business. I mean, is he a great player and a great part of our clubhouse the entire year? Absolutely." Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow called Bregman's contributions meaningful and said the club would "let that play out."