Red Sox Predicted to Sign Three-Time All-Star After Long Layoff

The Boston Red Sox are back at that familiar offseason crossroads, trying to balance long-term roster moves with the urge to keep a proven star around. As spring training creeps closer, Alex Bregman is still unsigned. Boston’s made it obvious they want him back, but there’s no deal yet.

Let’s dig into why the Red Sox are so determined to keep Bregman, how his 2025 season actually went, and why a reunion still feels like the most reasonable bet, at least if you ask people around the league.

The Red Sox and Alex Bregman: An Unfinished Offseason Story

For months, Boston’s front office hasn’t treated Alex Bregman like just another free agent. They’ve gone out of their way to praise his impact and, if you believe the reports, put an “aggressive” contract offer on the table to avoid this kind of drawn-out waiting game.

Still, Bregman’s out there on the open market. He opted out only one year into a three-year, $120 million deal. That surprised a lot of folks, but it also showed real confidence—he and his camp clearly think he’s still got plenty of value.

Why Bregman Opted Out

From his perspective, the opt-out made sense. Bregman was coming off a season that looked solid enough, but probably could’ve been even better if not for injury.

A Season of Highs, Lows, and “What Ifs”

Bregman’s 2025 campaign? Honestly, it felt like interrupted excellence. He played some of his best baseball before a quad injury knocked him out for about six weeks.

At the time, he was slashing .299 with a .938 OPS. He mixed patience, contact, and power, and was easily one of the most reliable bats in Boston’s lineup.

The Post-Injury Numbers Tell the Story

After coming back, the numbers took a hit. Bregman hit .250 with a .724 OPS for the rest of the year, and you could tell he wasn’t 100%. Still, he finished with a respectable .273/.360/.462 slash line and 18 home runs. That’s production most teams would love to get from their third baseman.

Why Teams Still Value Bregman Highly

Bregman stands out from a lot of free agents because his game should age well. Scouts and execs keep pointing to his plate discipline and his steady defense.

His offensive style is built on skills that don’t just vanish, like:

Defense and Durability at Third Base

He’s still a steady presence at third, flashing an above-average glove and good instincts. That two-way reliability is a big reason people think he deserves a four- or five-year contract in free agency.

Leadership That Doesn’t Show Up in the Box Score

One of the big reasons Boston keeps pushing for Bregman? Leadership. Even while hurt, younger Red Sox players kept mentioning how much he helped in the clubhouse and how willing he was to mentor or just talk things through.

On a roster that mixes up-and-comers with established vets, Bregman’s become a steadying voice—something front offices really do value, maybe almost as much as what he does on the field.

An All-Star Caliber Return Is Still Possible

Bregman made his third All-Star team last season, which says a lot about his reputation when he’s healthy. With a full offseason to recover, there’s a pretty strong belief he could bounce right back to his pre-injury form.

Will Bregman Ultimately Re-Sign in Boston?

According to Sports Illustrated writers Will Laws and Nick Selbe, the most likely outcome is still a reunion.

They predict that after a lengthy free-agency process, Bregman re-signs with the Red Sox.

Honestly, it’s a scenario that makes sense. Boston wants him, and Bregman already knows the market and the clubhouse.

If he comes back healthy, that could justify the long-term commitment both sides are considering.

With spring training right around the corner, this is still one of the most closely watched stories in baseball.