The Boston Red Sox have the money to sign star third baseman Alex Bregman after 2025 if he decides to opt-out of his contract, but it may come at the cost of losing another star.
Red Sox Could Cut Ties With Veteran Reliever to Keep Alex Bregman originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Boston Red Sox are in an interesting position with star third baseman Alex Bregman. The Red Sox signed Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal this offseason, but it includes opt-outs. With the opt-out options, Boston doesn't have absolute security with Bregman from year to year.
With Bregman's incredible start to the 2025 season, he would likely opt-out of his contract at the end of the season in search for a more lucrative deal. However, that doesn't mean the new deal would land him elsewhere, it just means the Red Sox would have to pay the third baseman more.
The New York Post's Jon Heyman recently reported that if he continues the way he's started the season, Bregman could command around $200 million in free agency.
Now, although that's a big number, the Red Sox traded star third baseman Rafael Devers earlier this season which off-loaded nearly $300 million for the Red Sox to use for the future.
But, even with that money freed up, the Red Sox would have to make sacrifices in other areas if they decide to sign a new deal with Bregman following the 2025 season.
One of those sacrifices could be star closer Aroldis Chapman, having quite the resurgence in 2025.
Chapman has been monumental to the Red Sox's success this season, having the best year of his career ERA-wise. The veteran closer holds a 1.18 ERA across 38 innings pitched with 17 saves and 58 strikeouts. He was also named to his eighth All-Star game.
However, Chapman is on a one-year deal with the Red Sox and will be a free agent at the end of the season. The 16-year veteran will be turning 38 years old next season, and will likely be looking for a pretty penny based on his production this year.
Chapman is a pivotal piece for the Red Sox in 2025, but looking toward the future, Bregman would have much more value. The star third baseman is six years younger and could be the future for the Red Sox at third base.
Alex Bregman working with Marcelo Mayer. pic.twitter.com/QGZSiWaycB
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) July 1, 2025
So far this season, Bregman is hitting a career-best .298 with a .927 OPS, and he has 11 home runs and 35 RBI in just 53 games.
If Bregman keeps his production up in the second half of the season, he will get a lucrative deal in free agency. The Red Sox can afford to keep Bregman, but it may come at the cost of a pivotal part of their success in 2025, in Chapman.
Related: Red Sox Reportedly Narrowing in on Certain Trade Deadline Targets
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
