Alex Bregman. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

How potentially losing Alex Bregman impacts the Red Sox

By Curt Bishop | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 5:24 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox were eliminated in the AL Wild Card Series by their hated rivals, the New York Yankees, earlier in October. Following the conclusion of their season, there was a lot of focus on whether or not star third baseman Alex Bregman would opt out of his contract.

Two weeks later, Bregman made it official. After signing a three-year, $120 million contract in the offseason, the three-time All-Star flexed his opt-out clause and chose to return to free agency in hopes of signing a longer-term deal.

On Monday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic listed Bregman as one of the top 50 impending free agents, and even had several fits for him that were not the Red Sox.

"He will be sought-after in free agency as the industry views him as a winning player who can contribute on both sides of the ball and perform on the biggest stage in the biggest moments. He’ll likely seek a long-term contract instead of settling for a shorter-term deal like he did last year. By opting out of his deal with the Red Sox, he’s walking away from a guaranteed $41.67 million in each of the next two seasons," Bowden wrote.

What losing Alex Bregman would mean for the Red Sox

Obviously, losing Bregman would be a big blow to the Red Sox as they try to bounce back from their wild-card series loss. This would leave a major hole at third base that would need to be filled.

Bregman slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs. 62 RBI, 3.5 WAR and an .821 OPS during the regular season. Not having that presence in the lineup would be detrimental to the Red Sox.

He is also a clubhouse leader, so they'll miss his veteran presence if he goes.

There are plenty of options the Red Sox can choose from if they do lose him. Before signing Bregman last offseason, they were discussing a potential trade for Nolan Arenado with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Arenado even expressed interest in going to Boston, with them being on his original list of six teams he would waive his no-trade clause for.

They could also dive into the free agent market for help. Japanese star Munetaka Murakami will be posted this winter, and Eugenio Suarez, who helped the Seattle Mariners reach the ALCS, will also be available, and at 34 years old, they may be able to get him on a shorter-term deal.

Still, not having Bregman would hurt, as he became a staple of the clubhouse in just one year in Boston. While they can replace his production, the two-time World Series champion's veteran presence is going to be almost impossible to replicate.

Curt Bishop

Curt Bishop is a freelance sportswriter who graduated from Maryville University of St. Louis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the field of communication. Curt primarily covers Major League Baseball. Curt’s work includes covering trade and free agency predictions, as well as rumors and news.

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