Boston Red Sox
“He chose us last year for the right reasons.”
Alex Cora is refusing to let himself get worried about Alex Bregman’s future in Boston.
The Red Sox manager told NESN’s “310 to Left” podcast that he’s going to “stay very positive” about Bregman’s opt-out decision and possible free agency this offseason based on the events that led him to join the ball club last offseason.
“He chose us last year for the right reasons,” Cora said. “He wanted to be on a playoff team. He wanted to play in Fenway Park. He wanted to be part of this organization. Since Day 1, he’s given 100 percent to us. Talking to the kids, talking to the veteran players, the way he handled the media, the way he impacted the community — adding all that stuff together, I got to stay positive about it.
“The kid is a really good player. He’s a great person. He’s a great teammate.”
Bregman joined the Red Sox around the time players began reporting for spring training, signing a three-year, $120 million deal in February. But as the Red Sox waited until nearly the last possible moment to sign Bregman, they gave him a player option at the end of each of the first two years of the contract.
After recording another All-Star season, multiple reports have indicated over the last couple of months that Bregman is likely to opt out and test free agency again to possibly get a longer contract that’s richer in total value.
Cora, who formed a close bond with Bregman during his one season on the Astros’ coaching staff, outwardly recruited the All-Star third baseman to join the Red Sox last offseason. But if Bregman opts out this offseason, Cora feels like he won’t have to pull out all the stops to ensure he remains in Boston.
“I don’t think I have to let him know how I feel about him,” Cora said. “I think he’s very clear about how I see it, but at the same time, respecting the space of his family and the people who work for him, just making sure you give him that space. It’s very important.”
Bregman was arguably the Red Sox’ best hitter in 2025 as they reached the postseason for the first time in four years. He hit .273 with a .821 OPS, 18 homers, and 62 RBIs in 114 games.
However, Bregman struggled in the season’s homestretch after battling a quad injury earlier in the year. He hit .187 in the final 27 games of the regular season, adding two home runs and a .581 OPS in that stretch.
Still, Bregman, who’ll turn 32 in March, has been widely viewed as one of the top pending free agents this offseason. He reportedly turned down a six-year, $171.5 million deal from the Tigers last offseason, but could receive a similar offer this offseason as an executive told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that he thinks Bregman will get a five-year deal worth over nine figures in total value.
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