The 2025 World Series has passed, and eligible players have officially entered free agency. That group includes Alex Bregman, who officially opted out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox on November 3, first reported by Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe.

Most reporters and insiders predicted that Bregman would opt out of his three-year, $120 million contract with Boston, despite his successful first season there. The third baseman seeks a long-term deal with a team he can envision himself playing the rest of his career with — based on his embrace of Boston and its fans, the Red Sox could still be a top contender for a return.

It’s in the Sox’s best interest to bring Bregman back for 2026 and beyond, as he fit in well with the team and served as a leader for its young core of players. Not only could Boston’s top infield prospects learn a lot from him defensively, but his history with the Houston Astros organization, which includes two World Series titles, brings exactly the winning pedigree the Red Sox need to take the next step toward a long playoff run.

Bregman’s market could be more robust this year than it was last time he hit free agency a year ago. The third baseman hit the open market for the first time after a down season with the Astros, and not only did he have fewer suitors than expected, but none were willing to offer him the deal he initially sought of around six years at $200 million.

Alex Bregman officially opts out of Red Sox contract and enters free agency in a lame third base market

With the Red Sox, Bregman posted a similar offensive season to his final year in Houston, with a .273/.360/.462 slash line, an .821 OPS, 28 doubles, 16 homers and 62 RBI over 114 games. The 31-year-old started the season hot and batted .298/.380/.546 with a .926 OPS oer 56 games in the first half of the season, but a quad injury he sustained in May slowed him down for the rest of the season.

Still, Bregman is the best all-around third baseman in this year’s free agent class, and the impact he had on Boston’s culture can’t be ignored by interested clubs around the league. Some of the other free agent third basemen this winter include Eugenio Suárez, Kiké Hernández, Paul De Jong, Luís Urías, and Yoán Moncada, among other less notable names.

After trading Rafael Devers away in June, the Red Sox can’t settle for less at third base. The market for Bregman could be more competitive than last go-round, and reporters have already speculated that Boston won’t meet his asking price (subscription required).

But the Red Sox have more than enough money to bring Bregman back and sign any other elite pitchers, power bats or first basement they find on the free agent market. Their contending window is officially open, and the luxury tax should no longer be a concern.