The Boston Red Sox were dealt a crushing loss to the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card round, ending their 2025 season and potentially the Alex Bregman era in Boston.
He's expected to opt out of his current deal with the Red Sox, becoming a free agent for the second straight season. This expectation is a tough reality for Red Sox fans, as the All-Star third baseman might depart after just one year in Boston.
But what kind of contract is Bregman potentially in line to get? According to one AL executive in a piece from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Bregman is slated to receive at least $80 million this offseason.
Alex Bregman is predicted to earn at least $80 million this offseason in free agency
"I struggle to see him sustaining that level of AAV (average annual value)," one AL executive said. "But the total guarantee should be well north of $80 million."
This is both a positive and negative update for Bregman. On the positive side, Bregman is predicted to make a lot of money guaranteed, with this AL executive predicting he'll land a deal of at least $80 million guaranteed this winter.
On the other hand, Bregman isn't expected to get a deal for the same AAV of his current deal. He signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox, which pays Bregman $40 million per season. He's expected to use his opt-out to become a free agent as he looks for more long-term security than this three-year deal.
After his strong 2025 season, Bregman will receive plenty of interest this winter. Teams in need of a third baseman will be all over his free agent market, and his contract will likely be for more than the $120 million he signed with Boston a year ago.
The 31-year-old might be in store for a long-term extension that eclipses over $80 million in guarantees, but falls short of the $40 million per year he's currently signed to.
This season, Bregman had a .273 batting average with an .821 OPS in 114 games. While he missed time in the middle of the season, he was still an overwhelmingly positive addition for the Red Sox.
Bregman will be a free agent, as he's expected to opt out of his current deal. While Boston is at risk of losing him, this prediction might allow the Red Sox to better fit his contract into their books, especially now with Rafael Devers completely off Boston's books.
The veteran third baseman will be a hot commodity this offseason, and as this AL executive predicts, he'll likely receive a deal with guarantees north of $80 million total.
It's not an unreasonable deal for Bregman, who is coming off a strong year in Boston, the first year he's spent with a team other than the Houston Astros. His free agency will be a fascinating one to watch, as the Red Sox and plenty of other teams will be interested in adding Bregman to their infield this winter.
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