Last offseason, Alex Bregman chose to leave the Houston Astros.
He'd never played for another team in MLB, but in free agency, he signed with the Boston Red Sox.
Only a year later, though, Bregman is a free agent again. He had an opt-out in his contract and took it to seek another deal.
Boston is still very much in on Bregman, but will have to beat out other suitors for a second year in a row.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand has offered insight into this outcome that is positive for Red Sox fans:
"Bregman’s first year in Boston went well despite injuries limiting him to 114 games, as he posted an.821 OPS with 18 homers. The Red Sox were only willing to give the third baseman a three-year deal last offseason, but now that he’s been in the clubhouse for a year, his value on and off the field could make Boston more comfortable with giving Bregman a longer contract."
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The biggest competition for Boston may end up being the Detroit Tigers.
It was the Tigers who nearly got Bregman last offseason before the Red Sox did. And the Tigers clearly still have a need for a third baseman.
Both Boston and Detroit were in the postseason but didn't go as far as they would've liked.
Bregman is a difference maker, and a proven postseason performer.
The Red Sox have a real chance to re-sign him. If they don't, it could swing the American League pennant race.
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