Bregman opts out of contract; Red Sox pursue a long-term deal; Tigers, Mariners, and others closely watching.

According to U.S. media reports, Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman has chosen to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. Veteran MLB reporter Mark Feinsand noted that although the former Astros key hitter missed almost two months this season due to injury, he still demonstrated his value in his first year with the AL East team and is expected to spark intense competition among several clubs.

In his inaugural season on a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox, despite a right thigh injury sidelining him for nearly two months, he managed a .273/.360/.462 batting line in 114 games, launched 18 home runs, contributed 62 RBIs, and returned to the All-Star roster for the first time since 2019.

Bregman not only maintained consistent performance but also brought valuable experience and leadership to the Red Sox’s young infield. The team’s management clearly values him highly — they even traded their former starting third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants mid-season to free up payroll space in preparation for a potential long-term contract.

With Bregman deciding to opt out of his deal with the Red Sox, multiple teams are expected to compete for his signature. Among them, the Detroit Tigers are considered one of the most serious contenders, having offered a six-year, $171.5 million deal during last offseason, and joining the Tigers would reunite Bregman with his former Astros manager A.J. Hinch.

Additionally, the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners are also seeking a reliable third baseman. Jon Heyman, a senior reporter for the New York Post, revealed that the Kansas City Royals might also emerge as an unexpected contender. Regardless of which team he signs with, Bregman’s next contract will be one of the most closely watched on this year’s free agent market.