When Alex Bregman came to Boston, his arrival brought a real buzz to the clubhouse. But after the Red Sox’s season ended in a Wild Card loss, the focus shifted to what his future might look like. Would he stay, or test the market? Now, it seems both sides have come to a decision, and according to insiders, Bregman’s time in Boston may be nearing its end.

 “The Red Sox loved their time with Alex Bregman and appreciated all he did on and off the field,” MLB insider Jim Bowden stated, as reported by Gordo on X. “That said, I’m not sure they’ll be willing to commit to Bregman on a long-term contract at his market price.”

Bregman, who signed a three-year, $120 million deal with opt-outs after the 2025 and 2026 seasons, officially opted out of the final two years and $80 million remaining on his contract. That decision gives him more control over his market this time around, especially since there’s no qualifying offer attached, unlike last offseason, when signing him cost teams a draft pick.Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow praised Bregman’s influence, saying,

“I will not miss an opportunity to talk about his contributions on the field, in the clubhouse, to the coaching staff, to the front office. Every conversation we’ve had, I learned something. That impact and influence has rubbed off on his teammates.”

Bregman played 114 games in his first season in Boston, hitting .273 with 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and an .822 OPS. He also earned recognition for his leadership, mentoring younger players and providing scouting reports for pitchers. At 31, his blend of production and presence made him one of Boston’s most valued voices, even as injuries limited him to 114 games.

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MLB insider Jon Heyman projected Bregman’s next deal could reach the $200 million range, while Britton of The Athletic estimated a six-year, $171 million contract. That’s a hefty price for a player entering his age-31 season, something Boston’s front office reportedly feels cautious about, even if they remain in talks.

That hesitation has opened the door for other clubhouses, and Ken Rosenthal has identified one particularly intriguing possibility. Speaking on “Starkville,” Rosenthal mentioned the Philadelphia Phillies as a potential landing spot. “Maybe it’s Bregman,” Rosenthal said. “Put him at third base, trade Alec Bohm. It’s something they discussed last year, trading Alec Bohm.”

The fit makes sense. With Alec Bohm’s contract expiring and his numbers trending down, the Phillies could clear space by moving him. Their designated hitter Kyle Schwarber is also hitting free agency, giving the team financial flexibility to pursue another impact bat. And with Dave Dombrowski running the front office, Philadelphia’s aggressiveness in free agency is no secret.

Bregman brings both World Series experience and elite ability, making him an excellent choice for the Phillies, who have been a strong contender for October glory. Now that the Bregman chapter is almost closed with the Red Sox, how will they fill his void?

What is Boston’s next step?

With Bregman’s opt-out changing the tone of the offseason, the Red Sox face a pivotal decision: either promote from within or use their payroll flexibility to reshape the infield. Even if Bregman re-signs, Boston is expected to target another power bat, with Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber among the top names linked to them. Japanese sluggers Kazuma Okamoto and Munetaka Murakami, both projected to play first base, are also on their radar.

If Bregman departs, Marcelo Mayer becomes the most logical internal replacement. Mayer, a natural shortstop, covered third base during Bregman’s seven-week injury stretch, showing solid arm strength and defensive instincts. Still, the front office might want him to spend more time in Triple-A Worcester after posting a .228 average and .674 OPS with a high strikeout rate.

If Boston prefers a veteran option at third, Eugenio Suárez, who blasted 49 home runs in 2025, could be an ideal fit. His right-handed power would play well against Fenway’s Green Monster, allowing Mayer to stay at shortstop.

Beyond that, the Red Sox could look to add power elsewhere in the infield. Pete Alonso’s reliable home-run production, Bo Bichette’s .840 OPS versatility, or Gleyber Torres’s consistent contact and 15–20 homer range all make them viable alternatives depending on how Boston structures its infield.

Whether Bregman stays or goes, his impact on Boston’s young core is clear. But with contenders circling and him chasing one last big payday, the Red Sox’s offseason just got tricky.