The Boston Red Sox made the postseason this year, but one of their best players is a free agent now. Alex Bregman opted out of his three-year, $120 million deal following his All-Star season in Boston.
He slashed .273/.360/.462 in 114 games in his first season with the team. He had a resurgent season, being named an All-Star for the first time since 2019. During his two All-Star seasons with the Houston Astros, Bregman had a .970 OPS. In the next five seasons, he had a .795 OPS.
Last season, Bregman was closer to the player he was with the Astros. He figures to have plenty of suitors, but Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox predicted he would re-sign with the Red Sox.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Red Sox would love to have Bregman back in Boston. However, he will not be cheap to retain. He is one of the best overall free agents available this winter and is praised as a leader in the clubhouse.
Bregman is projected to sign a four-year, $112 million deal this offseason. That could limit Boston’s spending on other spots, but what Bregman brings to the team is worth every penny. He was a great mentor for some of the team’s younger players last season.
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“He’s like a coach, really,” Red Sox rookie Marcelo Mayer said to The Athletic in July. “I can’t really say enough of how much he’s helped not only me and Roman (Anthony), but the whole team. He has people coming in early and watching film, whether that’s me, (Jarren) Duran or whoever it may be. And I think he just sees the game at a super advanced level compared to most people.”
Bregman will turn 32 next season. However, he proved last season that he can still be an elite player and contribute to the Red Sox’s pursuit of a World Series. The Red Sox may have to win a bidding war to keep him around.