Report: Bregman expected to opt out after 2025 season

Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman is expected to opt out of his contract this offseason barring an injury or major slump down the stretch, reports ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Bregman signed a three-year, $120-million contract with the Red Sox as a free agent this past offseason, but the pact includes player options after the first two seasons. His agent, Scott Boras, said in June that he was open to renegotiating Bregman's contract with Boston following the slugger's strong start to the season.

The 31-year-old is hitting .281/.364/.485 with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs in 409 plate appearances this season. He missed six weeks with a quad injury from late May to early July. Bregman's .849 OPS stands to be his highest in a season since 2019 when he was the MVP runner-up.

Passan notes that Bregman has "taken over the Red Sox clubhouse and become their unquestioned leader."

The 2025-26 MLB free-agent class could include Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez, and Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, among others.