MLB Analyst Projects Contract Alex Bregman Could Land In Free Agency

The Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract last offseason. However, the deal allowed Bregman to opt out following this past season.

Bregman officially is exercising his right to opt out of his deal and will hit the open market. He can sign with a new team as early as Thursday, and he figures to have many suitors. Bregman had a resurgent year with the Red Sox, being named an All-Star for the first time since 2019.

The third baseman slashed .273/.360/.462 on the year. However, he was hitting .299 before his quad injury in May. Bregman set himself up to find a better deal in free agency, and NBC Sports’ Matthew Pouliot projects him to sign a five-year, $160 million contract.

Bregman is one of the better free agents on the open market, but he will turn 33 next season. A $160 million deal for Bregman would give him the sixth biggest contract, in terms of total value, among third basemen.

Bregman was a great player for the Red Sox, and everyone associated with the team has raved about his leadership. However, many teams could be willing to pay top dollar for an upgrade at the hot corner.

If the Red Sox are unwilling to pay the price for Bregman, Marcelo Mayer could be an option at third base. He filled in there while Bregman was injured. With Trevor Story expected to be back, Mayer’s path to being the everyday shortstop is blocked.

Kristian Campbell still figures to have a role moving forward and already has signed an extension. Regardless, Bregman has set himself up to get lucrative offers this offseason. Whether the Red Sox will come out on top is yet to be seen.