One of the biggest long-term questions hanging over the Red Sox, even in what has been a largely successful 2025 campaign filled with contributions from a wave of young talent, is the future of their veteran anchor, third baseman Alex Bregman.
Boston made a savvy move in signing Bregman this past offseason, marking his first year away from Houston. While the contract was announced as a three-year, $120 million deal, it was structured to function more like a one-year, $25 million arrangement, given Bregman’s opt-out clause after this season—a clause he is almost certain to exercise.
Despite missing nearly two months with a quad injury, Bregman has delivered at the plate, hitting .279 with a .362 on-base percentage and a .474 slugging percentage. Beyond his offensive production, he remains an elite defender at third and has taken on a mentor’s role for rising stars Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer, solidifying his importance to the roster.
The Red Sox would love to secure him with a long-term extension, and Bregman has indicated he’s open to staying. However, his agent, Scott Boras, has made it clear that no extension will be negotiated during the season.
Red Sox Have Relatively Cheap Young Players
The Red Sox have shown a willingness to lock up key pieces during the season, inking long-term extensions with youngsters like Kristian Campbell and, more recently, Roman Anthony, along with veteran closer Aroldis Chapman. But when it comes to Alex Bregman, any deal will have to wait until the offseason.
“We’re at the stage where everything gets pushed to the winter,” Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, told WEEI in Boston. “He’s been very clear—he likes it there. The team is in a much stronger position now than it was a year ago. But with free agency, you have to let the process play out and see what develops.”
Alex Bregman Could Attract a Lot of Attention
At 31 years old, the big question is how aggressive the Red Sox will be in their pursuit to keep Bregman. With third base being a position of need for several contenders—the Yankees, Tigers, and Mets among them—Scott Boras is almost certain to spark a bidding war for his client.
Still, Boston appears to be the most logical landing spot. Bregman fits well at Fenway, and the organization’s mix of affordable young stars at key positions, combined with the financial flexibility gained by moving Rafael Devers’ contract, puts them in position to meet his price.
“They’ve locked in some great players at bargain deals by signing them early in their careers,” Boras explained. “And there’s more young talent on the way. But what those players need is championship leadership. When you study what drives teams to success, it’s players who not only perform at an All-Star level but also bring the leadership and experience needed to guide young rosters.
“I’d say the Red Sox foundation is much stronger and more defined now than it was a year ago.”
Red Sox Value Leadership
Boras, naturally, speaks as a biased advocate, but he emphasized Bregman’s leadership qualities and history of guiding a clubhouse—traits that, given Boston’s current roster makeup, make retaining him all the more valuable. The Red Sox, of course, had a sense of this already thanks to Alex Cora’s familiarity with Bregman from their days together in Houston, so his presence in the clubhouse has come as no surprise.
“When you really know Alex Bregman, none of this is shocking,” Boras told WEEI. “From the outside, people can dismiss it because you always hear how great a player is, but until you see it day after day, you don’t fully appreciate the impact. His leadership is a rare jewel, whether it’s helping international players adapt or mentoring young Americans rising through the system.
“He connects with everyone. That combination of academic understanding and athletic execution creates a culture that produces very uncommon results.”
