Red Sox’s Alex Bregman Reportedly Makes Official Free-Agent Decision

Alex Bregman has reportedly decided on his contract.

As expected, the Boston Red Sox third baseman will exercise his opt-out clause and enter free agency. The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham was among numerous sources to confirm the move on Monday.

Bregman will forgo the final two years and $80 million (including deferred money) of the three-year deal signed last winter. The 31-year-old re-enters the open market following an All-Star campaign in Boston.

Bregman batted .273/.360/.462 with a 3.5 fWAR in 114 games this season. He wielded a .938 OPS before suffering a quad injury in late May that sidelined the 2019 Silver Slugger until July 11.

He wasn’t as sharp in his return, batting .250/.341/.386 after the All-Star break. Yet Bregman reached base six times in a three-game playoff series against the New York Yankees.

Bregman opting out doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll leave Boston. The Red Sox are reportedly “hopeful” that they’ll re-sign Bregman, but other contenders will likely pursue a two-time World Series champion who has participated in nine straight postseasons and provides intangible leadership traits.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora tried to remain optimistic when discussing Bregman’s looming free agency on NESN’s “310 To Left” last month.

“I’m going to stay positive,” Cora said. “I’m going to stay very positive. This is a guy that —he chose us last year because of the right reasons. He wanted to be on a playoff team. He wanted to play in Fenway Park. He wanted to be a part of this organization. And since Day 1, he’s given 100 percent to us.”