Scott Boras Provides Insight Into Alex Bregman’s Contract Situation

The Boston Red Sox are focused on the playoffs, but this offseason looms large. Several key players have opt-outs in their contracts.

Alex Bregman and Trevor Story both have opt-outs, while Lucas Giolito is just a few innings away from activating a vesting opt-out in his contract. Bregman is expected to opt out, as is Giolito, barring an injury, while Story’s decision is a little more complex.

Should Bregman opt out, he’ll be one of the biggest names on the free agent market. His value to the Red Sox can’t be overstated. He’s produced on the field and helped in mentoring young players and working with the pitching staff off the field.

His agent, Scott Boras, provided insight into where Bregman’s head was heading into October.

“Obviously, I think he’s very open about [resigning]. He has enjoyed it [in Boston]. The team has more defined promise than it did a year ago. With free agency, you have to see how things go,” Boras told Audacy’s Rob Bradford.

The two sides are expected to negotiate an extension during the season. Bregman is focused on getting to the playoffs and making a run. Last winter, his free agency dragged on for months before he signed with the Red Sox. This time around, Boras is expecting a bigger market for his client.

“I can tell you in [Matt] Chapman’s case, [Blake] Snell’s case, [Carlos] Correa’s case, the minute the qualifying offer was gone the market expanded probably from a couple of teams wanting to do short-term to 10 or 15 teams wanting to do long-term contracts,” Boras said.

Bregman received a qualifying offer last off-season and is no longer eligible to receive another. Whatever team signs the third baseman won’t have any cost outside of the contract itself.

The Red Sox signed several players to extensions during the season, and don’t have a clear replacement for Bregman if he leaves in free agency. His right-handed bat has been a huge asset for the Red Sox at Fenway Park, as has his defense. If Bregman hits free agency, Boston should move mountains to retain him.