Alex Bregman Expected to Opt Out of Red Sox Contract in Pursuit of $200 Million Deal

Assessing the Boston Red Sox’s early season performance isn’t easy. While they’ve had a rough start and underperformed compared to preseason expectations, their 8-10 record leaves them just two games behind in the AL East—far from a disastrous position. Considering how things *could* be worse, there are still some silver linings.

But the team’s uncertain standing may be complicated further in the coming months if Alex Bregman exercises the opt-out clause in his contract. Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with opt-outs after each season, and he appears likely to test free agency again this winter.

According to a recent prediction from **MLB Trade Rumors**, Bregman is expected to opt out and chase a deal exceeding $160 million, with agent Scott Boras expected to aggressively pursue top dollar for his client. The outlet suggests that if Bregman has a solid year, his total earnings could surpass $200 million when factoring in his current deal and future contract.

“Bregman and the Boras Corporation can and likely will point to anything north of $160MM next offseason… to earn a net sum topping $200MM for his free agent years,” wrote MLBTR’s Steve Adams. He also pointed out that Bregman will be 32 by next March—the same age Matt Chapman was when he inked a six-year, $151 million extension. However, unlike Chapman, Bregman will likely benefit from a full free-agent bidding war.

Though questions remain about how teams will view his value given his age and the sluggish free agency market last time around, Bregman has remained productive. Through 18 games with Boston, he’s hitting .274 with two home runs and a 117 OPS+, showing he’s still a consistent offensive force when healthy.