The Boston Red Sox are in the midst of a busy offseason as the organization looks to build on the success of 2025. If the Red Sox hope to return to the playoffs next year, their chances will improve significantly if the front office can re-sign third basemanAlex Bregman.
The 31-year-old veteran joined Boston last offseason on a three-year, $120 million deal, but he opted out after the 2025 season in search of more long-term security.
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Before arriving in Boston, Bregman spent nine standout seasons with the Houston Astros. He earned two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger and two World Series championships in Houston. He established himself as a proven performer and a respected clubhouse presence.
MLB free agent third baseman Alex Bregman (2)© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Bregman left a strong impression in 2025, notably building a connection with Red Sox rookie Connelly Early, who debuted last season.
Early impressed in limited action, posting a 2.33 ERA and striking out 29 batters across 19 1/3 innings. On Tuesday, Bregman shared on social media that he had met up with Early during the offseason.
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The two played mini golf at PopStroke, a high-tech entertainment venue, with Bregman posting a photo of Early alongside the caption, “The @popstroke CHAMP.”
MLB free agent third baseman Alex Bregman sends a message to Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early on Dec. 20, 2025@abreg_1 on Instagram
The lighthearted offseason moment comes as Bregman’s name continues to surface in reports linking him to a potential return to Boston on a new deal.
Red Sox Must Act Quickly to Secure Alex Bregman
“The Boston Red Sox will have no excuses if they fail to re-sign free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. And they will need to pivot quickly and dramatically if Bregman lands with another club. Both the Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks have emerged as legitimate suitors for Bregman, according to sources briefed on the discussions. Other clubs, including the Chicago Cubs, also are said to be involved,” Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported last week.
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“The answer for the Red Sox is Bregman. … And the way Breslow has operated this offseason, making one economically shrewd move after another, the Sox are in perfect position to strike. They have the money. Time to spend it.”
The urgency surrounding Bregman’s future underscores just how pivotal he is to Boston’s plans. Re-signing Bregman would not only secure a proven offensive bat but also preserve the veteran leadership that steadied the clubhouse last season.
Losing him, in contrast, would leave a glaring void both offensively and in the team’s identity, a setback that could alter the trajectory of their playoff ambitions in 2026.
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Related: Red Sox Announce Trade With Nationals Amid MLB Offseason
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.