Free Agent Profile: Alex Bregman, 3B

Alex Bregman, 3B

Position: 3B B/T: R/R
Age: 31 (03/30/1994)
2025 Traditional Stats: 495 PA, .273/.360/.462/.821, 118 H, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 28 2B, 51 BB, 70 SO
2025 Advanced Stats: 125 wRC+, 14.1% K%, 10.3% BB%, .288 BABiP, .334 xwOBA, 3.5 fWAR, +3 OAA

Rundown

Alex Bregman remains an intriguing option for teams seeking a proven veteran third baseman. Entering his age-32 season, he continues to provide an above-average defensive profile, a disciplined bat, and a mostly reliable injury history. In 2025, his first season in Boston, Bregman posted a slash line of .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs over 495 plate appearances, representing a clear rebound from 2024 (.260/.315/.453 line, .768 OPS).

Bregman’s season was a tale of two halves. He started the year in excellent form, batting .299 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs before a quad strain sidelined him from May 24 to July 11. Although he returned to contribute effectively overall, the injury led to a prolonged slump over the final five weeks of the season, limiting him to 114 games. Despite this, his strong start earned him a third career All-Star selection, and he provided a veteran presence to stabilize a young Boston clubhouse.

At the plate, Bregman’s approach remained consistent. He finished the season with a 10.3% walk rate and a 14.1% strikeout rate, both of which are better than the league average and indicative of his continued command of the strike zone. However, his defensive metrics dipped, landing him as the 10th-best third baseman in OAA (+3). Bregman previously posted a +8 OAA at third in 2024, tying a career-high set in 2022. He won his first Gold Glove in 2024.

Bregman had limited postseason action in 2025, appearing in just two games, but this did not diminish his reputation as a reliable performer in October. In that small sample, he batted .300 with a .462 on-base percentage and a .400 slugging percentage, including one home run. Over his career, Bregman has played in 102 playoff games, amassing a .791 OPS with 19 home runs and 55 RBIs. Overall, Bregman’s 2025 campaign was solid and productive, marked by strong early-season performance, steady plate discipline, and above-average defensive metrics.

Contract

After opting out of his Red Sox contract with two seasons remaining, MLB Trade Rumors estimates that he will earn somewhere around six years, $160MM for a team that’s interested in his services. The site named him the fifth-best free agent in the class.

Recommendation – Worth Checking In

The idea of Alex Bregman joining the Mets is interesting, especially considering how much the roster landscape has changed compared to a year ago. Last offseason, the Mets showed interest in Bregman but ultimately decided to evaluate what Brett Baty and Mark Vientos could offer at third base. That decision made sense at the time. However, this winter, the situation has shifted; with Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil no longer on the roster and only Brett Baty providing some form of consistency, there is a clearer path for Bregman to nab a spot with a meaningful role.

Roster flexibility has been a priority for the Mets, and McNeil’s departure only reinforces that philosophy. Players like Baty and Luisangel Acuña can interchange between multiple positions, enhancing lineup versatility. In this scenario, Bregman could serve as a rotating presence between third base and designated hitter, allowing Baty to move between third base, second base, or left field as needed. This flexibility would create a more adaptable infield without sacrificing offensive production.

Offensively, Bregman remains a reliably above-average contributor, providing the consistency that contenders seek. The more pressing concern is his defense, which has declined slightly recently. The Mets’ interest will ultimately depend on how much they prioritize his steady bat over defensive issues. If the front office believes his offensive contributions offset his declining defense, Bregman could be a significant upgrade, especially in light of Alonso’s departure.

Any potential agreement would likely take the form of a shorter-term contract with a higher average annual value and built-in opt-outs, aligning well with David Stearns’ preference for maintaining long-term flexibility while maximizing short-term impact. Although the Mets emphasize defense, Bregman’s modest defensive decline may not outweigh his overall value. As a move focused on winning now while preserving roster versatility and future options, Bregman is a fit worth exploring, one that could address multiple needs with a single signing.

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