Alex Bregman has a decision to make.
After this season, the Boston Red Sox star can opt out of his contract. There’s a lot of money on the line.
If Bregman sticks with his deal, he’d make $80 million (with deferred money) over the next two years.
If not, he’s got a chance to double up.
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MLB Trade Rumors writer Steve Adams thinks Bregman could approach $160 million in free agency.
“The only position players in the past decade to secure contracts of five-plus years beginning at age 32 are Lorenzo Cain, DJ LeMahieu and Freddie Freeman,” Adams writes. “LeMahieu’s contract was stretched to six years for luxury tax purposes. Freeman got six years but with deferred money. Even on a five-year deal, Bregman would have a case for $150MM or more. Six years could very well be attainable, as could $200MM. Regardless, Bregman has a chance to top Freeman’s $162MM guarantee and take home the largest free agent deal we’ve ever seen for a player starting in his age-32 season.”
Bregman reportedly had six-year offers last offseason from the Astros and Tigers but went with the shorter-term deal with Boston.
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This season, Bregman is hitting .295 with 15 homers and 20 doubles despite missing time with an injury.
Someone will pay him big, assuming he opts out. The remaining question is just where that money will come from.
The opt-out protects Bregman if he happens to get hurt late in the year. Otherwise, there should be no suspense on that decision. He’ll likely be a free agent, and then the real suspense begins.
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