When the Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the Giants and shed the $250+ million remaining on his mega-contract last week, it became evident that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow would look for ways to re-allocate those funds. A logical place for them to go is Alex Bregman.
Bregman, Breslow’s big free agent signing of the offseason, is only under team control for this season because the heavily deferred three-year, $120 million contract he signed in February has opt-out clauses after both 2025 and 2026. If he chooses to do so, Bregman can test free agency once again this winter after earning a (deferred) $40 million salary from Boston. There’s at least a chance, though, that the Red Sox don’t let things get to that point — and Bregman’s agent is willing to listen.
Agent Scott Boras told The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey that Bregman and his family have really enjoyed their short time in Boston and that the camp is open to preemptive extension talks before Bregman’s opt-out deadline, which will come five days after the World Series.
“I always tell the team — and Alex directs me to tell them — we’re always open to any conversation,” Boras said. “Any player who plays well somewhere, it’s something that’s important for the team and important for the player. It’s an additive.”
Boras’ stance is the least bit surprising, as no agent would close the book on a potential agreement publicly. Still, it doesn’t speak to anything being imminent. It’s unclear if any talks between the sides have occurred.
Bregman got off to a red-hot start to his Red Sox career in April and May, hitting .299 with 11 homers, 17 doubles, 35 RBIs and a .938 OPS while serving as a stabilizing force at third base. On May 23, he suffered a right quad strain that has kept him out for the last month, though his recovery has been quick and the Red Sox could have him back in their lineup in the next few weeks. The injury has not derailed Bregman’s perceived value, as the industry was clearly impressed with his torrid start and therefore, many expect him to opt out in an effort to guarantee security on a long-term, nine-figure deal. How Bregman plays when he returns from the injured list will obviously play a big role in his opt-out decision.
The Red Sox, valuing Bregman’s leadership, will clearly have interest in keeping him around as a veteran leader on a young team. The question will be if the club can make an offer that Boras — usually a hard-liner who intends to take his clients into free agency so that all offers can be presented — will find palatable enough to take and forego the free agent process. Boras has done that before with a key Red Sox infielder, getting a six-year deal done for Xander Bogaerts in 2019, six months before he was set to hit free agency. Boras cited Bogaerts’ comfort in Boston as a major factor then.
The Red Sox’ underwhelming 40-41 first half may force them into action on Bregman soon. Though Breslow has signaled that the Devers deal doesn’t signal that the Sox are “waving the white flag” on the season, Boston’s playoff chances have dwindled to 21.7%, according to FanGraphs. That suggests that Boston could sell at the deadline — a possibility reflected in the fact that ESPN ranked two Red Sox players (Bregman and Jarren Duran) as their top two candidates entering trade season in Wednesday’s rankings.