When the Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal this offseason, they were hoping for a sizable return.
They were investing in leadership, postseason pedigree, and a proven bat to balance out a young, reshaping roster. And despite a quadriceps setback that has sidelined him since May 24, Bregman is proving them right.
Now, as he gears up for his IL return in the coming days, the chances of the Red Sox shipping him off in a trade look more unlikely.
Red Sox Encouraged To Wait Out Bregman’s Comeback
Before the injury, Bregman was boasting a .299 average, .930 OPS, 11 home runs, and 2.4 WAR in just 54 games. More importantly, the two-time All-Star has become a clubhouse anchor in the post-Rafael Devers era, mentoring young players and providing a steadying force amid a roster pivot.
There have been whispers that Bregman could be moved at the deadline — a valuable trade chip with an opt-out looming after this season. If he continues producing at this level, he’s all but certain to exercise it, potentially leaving the Red Sox with nothing in return. That risk sparked speculation about a proactive deal, especially after Boston dealt Devers in a shock move earlier this season.
ESPN Predicts Bregman To Stay
But as Bregman makes his move back to the lineup, and the Red Sox stay in playoff position, that conversation shifts.
Boston is above .500 and very much alive in the Wild Card race. Offensively, they’ve found rhythm. And Bregman, back from injury and giving them every reason to hold the line. His postseason résumé — including big hits on the game’s biggest stage — makes him the kind of October bat you don’t move unless the return is overwhelming.
If Bregman were to be made available, every contender with a hole at third base or DH would call. But right now, Boston’s internal calculus is changing. The opt-out risk remains, but so does the opportunity to ride Bregman’s hot bat into the postseason.
“Bregman has been an elite big league hitter since he entered the league in 2016 but has leaned more into power this year, with his highest isolated power since 2019, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan wrote Tuesday. “Most of his underlying power indicators (barrel rate, maximum exit velo, average launch angle and hard hit rate) are at career highs. His $40 million salary — and the chance to opt into two more years at $40 million annually — significantly shortens the list of teams that would take on his deal.”
Pitching remains the team’s biggest question mark, and Bregman could fetch a strong return if needed — perhaps a top-50 prospect and controllable big-league arm. But pulling that trigger while in contention carries real risk, especially in the eyes of fans still adjusting to life after Devers.
Craig Breslow’s front office has shown a willingness to be bold, but this moment feels different. Bregman’s return from injury, and return to form would exhilarate the lineup. If Boston is serious about making a push in 2025, keeping him might outweigh the future uncertainty.
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