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As expected, it appears Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman plans to opt out once the season is over. Bregman, who accepted a three-year, $120 million deal with two opt-outs from the Red Sox last winter, is coming off a solid, yet injury-hampered year. His production took a sizable dip after coming back from a right quad strain on July 11; still, he finished the season hitting .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs in 433 at-bats. Bregman’s postseason stats were also impressive, going 3-for-10 with a double and three walks (OBP of .462) in three games. His Gold Glove defense (won Gold Glove in 2024) will also be a point of interest.
Bregman will likely be welcomed into a busy market with several suitors lining up to ask about him. However, his age (will be 32 next year) and contract expectations may be enough to dissuade those who are more financially stringent or are wary of a potential decline, especially if they have other options. With those factors in mind, here are three teams that might be excellent fits.
Bregman was already an excellent fit with the Red Sox in 2025, having been one of their top producers and a team leader. His right-handed bat also paired well with the Green Monster in left field. A large-market team with plenty of cash, the Red Sox are expected to pursue him aggressively and can likely be considered early front-runners.
Boston capped a disappointing season by losing the ALWC series 1-2 to the New York Yankees. The Red Sox already have several areas they need to improve upon, especially if Trevor Story leaves as well. If the Red Sox are going to, at minimal, perform at the same level they did this year, they will likely need Bregman.
For the second consecutive year, the Tigers were eliminated in the ALDS, falling short of their ultimate goal. The team itself has incredible potential when at its best; however, it desperately needs another impact bat to carry it over rough spots. Detroit showed serious interest in Bregman last offseason, offering six years at $171.5 million, but he chose to take Boston’s deal since it paid more per year and included opt outs after every season.
This offseason, the Tigers are expected to make a similar pursuit. If signed, Bregman would fill the Tigers’ third base void, which has seen no one player field the position for more than 79 games (Zach McKinstry). Having lost the ALDS to the Mariners in a close 2-3 series, Bregman could be the piece who puts them over the top next year.
Hot in pursuit of their very first World Series appearance, this could very well be a historical season for the Mariners. But what about next season?
This winter, Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez will test free agency, leaving the hot corner wide open. Suarez was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline and hasn’t exactly impressed with Seattle. Of course, hitting in Seattle is fairly difficult.
As for Bregman, his profile as a hitter might not be too well-suited for Seattle, and the Mariners themselves aren’t normally a team that makes waves in free agency. However, he is the top third baseman on the market. The Mariners likely won’t find a better fit elsewhere.
Should the Mariners choose to keep their foot on the gas beyond this year, Bregman could be their best solution. This makes Seattle a convincing dark horse in the Bregman sweepstakes.
Honorable mentions:Â New York Mets, Chicago CubsÂ
