It’s been tricky to assess the Boston Red Sox’s performance early in the season.
On one hand, their play has been underwhelming and worse than many anticipated coming into the year. Still, with an 8-10 record and only two games behind in the American League East, it’s far too early to hit the panic button.
Some could even argue there are a few encouraging signs, considering the team has fallen short of expectations but hasn’t completely collapsed with something like a 4-14 record.
The situation could get more complicated in the coming months, as Alex Bregman has the option to re-enter free agency if he chooses to opt out of his current deal.
Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract that includes opt-outs after each season, and he appears to be on track to test the market again next offseason.
According to a recent MLB Trade Rumors projection, Bregman is expected to opt out and pursue a deal worth over $160 million. Agent Scott Boras is expected to aggressively seek top value for his client.
“Bregman and the Boras Corporation can and likely will argue for a total payout exceeding $200 million when combining a new deal with his first year in Boston,” wrote Steve Adams.
“That kind of offer was reportedly available last offseason, and if Bregman delivers a typical year, it should be again.”
Although Bregman will turn 32 next March — a bit older for a marquee free agent — that didn’t stop Matt Chapman from landing a six-year, $151 million extension at the same age, and Chapman didn’t even test the open market.
If Bregman remains healthy and productive, he’s expected to command even more.
Through his first 18 games in Boston, Bregman is batting .274 with two home runs and a 117 OPS+, potentially setting the stage for another big contract push.
