Key Red Sox Player Sits Third In MLB Free-Agent Rankings

Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman’s strong season has positioned him as one of the most sought-after players heading into free agency.

MLB Trade Rumors recently ranked the veteran infielder as the No. 3 most impactful free agent for the upcoming offseason, factoring in projected earning power along with on-field performance.

Bregman, 31, can opt out of the final two years and $80 million on his current contract and is widely expected to do so.

“Topping that remaining $80MM will be no problem,” wrote Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, noting that even at his age, a multi-year deal in the $150 million range is within reach.

His 2024 campaign has reinforced that value. Despite missing more than a month with a quadriceps strain, he has posted a .295/.373/.533 line in 295 plate appearances with 15 homers and 20 doubles, while maintaining elite plate discipline and sound defense.

Boston landed Bregman last offseason on a three-year, $120 million deal loaded with opt-outs after he turned down longer offers from the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers. His bet on himself appears to have paid off, and his market this winter could include the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers in addition to the Red Sox, according to Adams.

Extension talks are not out of the question. In June, agent Scott Boras told The Boston Globe that Bregman is “always open to any conversation” about staying in Boston. The Red Sox have publicly lauded Bregman’s leadership, particularly with top prospects Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell.

Whether Boston makes a serious push to retain him before he hits the market remains to be seen, but his mix of production, experience and clubhouse presence makes him one of the premier names to watch this winter.