It's tough to evaluate how the Boston Red Sox have played in the early parts of the season.
On one hand, the team has been brutal, playing worse than many expected entering the year. However, currently 8-10 overall and only two games out in the American League East, it's far too early to press the panic button.
If anything, one can argue that there are some positives in the Red Sox’s start, given the team hasn't lived up to expectations and isn't something like 4-14.
However, this could cause some confusion over the next few months, as Alex Bregman would hit free agency again if he opts out of his deal.
Bregman took a three-year, $120 million deal with opt-outs after each season, and looks poised to hit the open market once again next winter.
In a recent prediction from MLB Trade Rumors, they had Bregman opting out of his deal and trying to land a contract north of $160 million, adding that Scott Boras will do everything he can to get his client paid.
"Bregman and the Boras Corporation can and likely will point to anything north of $160MM next offseason combining with year one in Boston to earn a net sum topping $200MM for his free agent years. That type of offer was present last winter, and with a typical Bregman season it ought to be once again.
"Bregman will turn 32 next March, which puts him on the old side for a top-end free agent, but that’s the same age at which Matt Chapman signed a six-year, $151MM extension — and did so without the benefit of the open market. Bregman is the most consistent offensive player and should reach or exceed that, so long as he stays healthy and productive this year," Steve Adams wrote.
Bregman will be 32 years old around the start of next season, which leads to questions about whether teams will view him as a player worth that money, especially after a quiet free agency last time around.
In his first 18 games in Boston, he's hitting .274 with two home runs and a 117 OPS+.
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