Alex Bregman was named an American League All-Star, but was not in Greater Atlanta for the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday night, though Boston Red Sox fans have visions of him representing them at All-Star Games in the future.
Yet, according to the Boston Globe, Bregman is being coy about his future with the Red Sox, saying “maybe” when asked whether a new deal will get done with the Red Sox.
Bregman signed a three-year contract in free agency in February — a deal that controversially led to Rafael Devers’ premature exit from New England. He is slashing .298/.380/.546 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in his first season in Boston despite missing seven weeks with a quad strain.
Why Could Alex Bregman Leave The Red Sox?
It seems like just yesterday that Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract in February with the Red Sox. That deal, which unsettled Devers yet put the three-time All-Star and reigning Gold Glover at third base, was thought to set Boston up with elite third-base play for the foreseeable future.
But there was a catch. Bregman negotiated an opt-out clause after this season. Although his remaining two years at $40 million AAV seems enticing, he could elect to opt out in search of a long-term extension — either with Boston or somewhere else.
âMaybe,â Bregman said about a potential extension to the Boston Globe. âI think for me, Iâm focused on playing good baseball and trying to help this team win games. Weâre obviously open to hearing whatever the Red Sox have to say.â
The Red Sox have played great baseball, in spite of Devers’ departure that left their offense devoid of one of the top bats in the AL. They currently sit in the third AL wild card and are just one game behind the New York Yankees for second place in the AL East and are three games behind the first-place Toronto Blue Jays with 64 games left.
Aside from the club’s recent success, and the Devers controversy, Bregman has raved about his time playing in Boston.
“I love it. Itâs been great,” Bregman said. “Iâve loved being in Boston, obviously an amazing city, great ballpark to play, and the fans are incredible.
“Playing with great teammates. Organization has been awesome to be a part of, and weâve been playing really good baseball right now. I feel like we have a real opportunity to win, and Iâve loved it.”
What Will Alex Bregman’s Next Contract Be?
A two-year, $80 million contract seems like an awfully crazy deal to opt out of, at least until you consider what Bregman’s next deal could end up being.
Bregman held out for the Red Sox’s offer until after the start of spring training, since the market for third basemen was not a particularly strong one.
So with Bregman away from the reviled Houston Astros, and thriving in Boston, New York Post baseball insider Jon Heyman recently revealed that Bregman has not discussed a new contract with the Red Sox while also detailing what his next deal may look like.
“The belief here is that with Bregmanâs great start a deal would likely have to be around $184 (million) or perhaps even $200M,” Heyman said.
Red Sox ownership has rightly been criticized for failing to retain star-caliber talent. But Heyman suggested they may pony up to ensure Bregman does not get to free agency — and that Bregman may be willing to sign in Boston before going back to the open market.
“Itâs rare a star of Bregmanâs stature signs within months of unfettered (no qualifying offer attached) free agency,” Heyman wrote. “But thereâs some chance, as both sides wouldnât mind getting something done.”
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