Veteran third baseman has proven to be a great addition to the Boston Red Sox in his debut season, but reports suggest he might only be a one-year player in Boston.
Bregman’s three-year, \$120 million contract with the Red Sox includes opt-out clauses after both of the first two seasons. ESPN’s Jeff Passan has stated that “unless he suffers an injury or a major slump, he’s expected to opt out” and become one of the most sought-after free agents this winter.
In his 95 games with the Red Sox, who are currently 78-63, Bregman is hitting .281—his best batting average since 2019 with the Houston Astros. He’s also hit 16 home runs and driven in 54 RBIs, earning his third career All-Star selection, his first since 2019.
Passan reported that Bregman’s fit in Boston has been “outstanding,” and his influence extends beyond his strong performance at the plate. The 31-year-old has reportedly “taken charge of the Red Sox’s clubhouse,” becoming a respected leader—a “baseball rat” known for his wisdom and his commitment to helping teammates improve.
However, the opportunity for a larger contract this offseason might be too tempting for Bregman to pass up. Passan identified teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers as potential suitors, all of which are in need of better third-base production and could be willing to offer Bregman the kind of deal he’s seeking. Passan also predicted that Bregman could land a five-year-plus contract with an average annual value exceeding \$35 million—something that eluded him last year.
With the Red Sox currently holding an AL wild-card spot and looking to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2021, a strong postseason performance could sway Bregman to stay longer. But if he enters the free-agent market, keeping him in Boston will be a challenge.
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