Alex Bregman Chooses to Exit Red Sox Contract

Alex Bregman has made headlines by opting out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox. As reported by Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, Bregman faces free agency after deciding to leave behind the remaining two years of his contract, valued at $80 million. This includes $40 million in deferred payments.

Bregman’s Journey to Free Agency

His decision to opt out aligns with earlier reports suggesting he would pursue a return to free agency. Bregman’s exit is significant for the Red Sox, particularly for their infield strategy moving forward.

Season Performance Highlights

Bregman enjoyed an impressive season, earning an All-Star selection in 2025. He showcased his skills with a batting line of .273/.360/.462 along with 18 home runs and 28 doubles across 495 plate appearances. His performances translated to a valuable 3.5 WAR in just 114 games.

Injury Concerns

Despite his success, Bregman’s season was marred by injury. A notable quad injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the summer. This marked his second season in five years affected by similar issues, following a limited performance in 2021 when he played only 91 games.

Market Impact and Future Prospects

As Bregman heads into free agency, his durability may give potential teams pause. He will turn 32 in March, raising questions about long-term commitments given his injury history. Last winter, Bregman attracted interest not only from the Red Sox but also from the Tigers and Cubs, both of whom may now be more eager to strengthen their lineups.

Other Infield Options

Bregman stands out in the third base market this offseason, but he is not the only player available:

• Eugenio Suarez: Slugged 49 home runs but has defensive concerns and is two years older than Bregman.
• Bo Bichette: A star infielder who may prefer to remain at shortstop, despite interest in other positions.
• Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto: NPB sluggers potentially suited for first base rather than third.

As teams assess their options, Bregman’s performance and experience could make him a prime candidate despite the risks associated with his health. The upcoming offseason will reveal how the market values his talents.