Alex Bregman is one of the top free agents remaining on the open market.
He hoped for a big contract when he opted-out of his deal with the Boston Red Sox, and it very well may still be coming.
And in fact, it may be coming from the same Red Sox who he temporarily parted ways with.
CBS Sports writer R.J. Anderson has offered up some fresh free agency predictions this week. And he's got Bregman going back to Boston.
"Despite missing nearly two months on account of a strained quad, Bregman had a strong enough showing with the Red Sox to opt out of his three-year contract," Anderson writes. "He's been linked to most of the same teams from last winter -- the Red Sox, naturally, as well as the Cubs and Tigers -- and some surprising clubs like the Blue Jays and Diamondbacks. Inertia is a most powerful force, making Boston the pick here. Wherever he lands, he's likely to set off a domino effect."
MORE: Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
The Tigers have long been thought as the biggest threat here. When Bregman was leaving the Houston Astros a year ago, it was Detroit who put up the heaviest bidding fight against Boston.
Bregman ended up choosing the Red Sox, but that seems like the kind of thing that would make the Tigers decide that this time around, they wouldn't be beat in this bidding war.
Having the Cubs enter the fray is tricky, given that they're a big-market team and a potential desired destination for many players.
It's not yet clear which way Bregman may be leaning. We'll just have to find out in 2026.
The fact that Boston is still in the picture at all after Bregman has already spent a year there is likely a great sign for the Red Sox.
More MLB news:
- Dominican Republic's projected WBC lineup is fierce
- Reds have a promising prospect named Ichiro Cano
- It's a good day to remember Bob Feller's brilliance and his time in the U.S. Navy
- How Aroldis Chapman is able to pitch for Great Britain in the WBC
- Alex Bregman has a key free agent preference
- Yankees' pitcher leaving MLB to sign in Japan