The first domino of the Boston Red Sox off-season has fallen, and no one should be surprised at who tipped it. After months of speculation, Bregman has made it official: He is opting out of his contract and heading back to free agency.

MLB Trade Rumors confirmed the news. “Alex Bregman has officially opted out of his contract with the Red Sox, per a report from Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. Bregman will return to free agency, leaving the final two years and $80MM (including $40MM in deferred money) of the deal he signed with Boston last offseason on the table.”

But is this surprising? Not really.

He had a down year in 2024, and hence he signed a heavily deferred three-year $120 million deal with Boston in February. So that simply showed this eventual move was in the making. It was designed to give him another shot at free agency, and now, after earning $40 million, he is ready to cash in big time.

Not to forget, he is a Scott Boras client, so the news does not surprise most.

He would be seeking more than $80 million, if rumors are to be believed. Bregman will have teams like the Mariners, Cubs, and Tigers interested in him. Still, the Boston Red Sox are not ready to close the door.

Craig Breslow, their chief baseball officer, had shared, “Obviously, Alex has the right, as structured in his contract to opt out and he’s going to do what’s best for his family. At the same time, I will not miss an opportunity to talk about his contributions on the field, in the clubhouse, to the coaching staff, to the front office. In every conversation we’ve had, I learned something. I think that impact and influence has rubbed off on his teammates and by all accounts, he’s loved his time in Boston.”

Alex Bregman’s first year with Boston was essentially a tale of two halves.

Before he suffered a quad strain in late May, he was electric. He hit .299 with 11 home runs, 17 doubles, and a .938 OPS. After missing 43 games, though, he was not the same, but his efforts never wavered.

Breslow even noted, “We’re a better team with Alex at 80% of his sprint speed than we are without him at all.”

But Bregman, with his move, made it clear: He wants a long-term home, and if Boston wants him, they will need to step up to the plate.

Is Philadelphia Bregman’s next destination?

The Philadelphia Phillies have their work cut out for them this winter, and it’s not just about filling the roster spots. It’s about redemption, too.

After another season that ended short of a World Series title, the pressure is heavier than ever on Rob Thomson and Dave Dombrowski to deliver what fans have been craving. And that might start with Alex Bregman!

Mark Feinsand wrote for MLB.com, “After waiting out the winter for the right deal, Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million pact with the Red Sox that included $60 million in deferrals and opt-outs after 2025 and ’26, limited Bregman to only 114 games this season, but he performed well when he was available, posting an .822 OPS with 18 homers. Bregman plans to opt out of his contract, giving free agency a try for the second consecutive season. Potential fits: Phillies, Red Sox, Tigers.”

Now, if Bregman does land in Philadelphia, it could spell the end for Alec Bohm there.

Sure, he has held his own defensively at third base, but he has been inconsistent at the plate, leaving everyone divided about what to do with him. So, right now, this potential signing could turn into reality.

Rafael Devers went through the same thing when Bregman joined Boston, and he soon found himself shipped to the San Francisco Giants. But of course, this move won’t be cheap for them, since a $182 million deal is a lot.

And if the Phillies are also looking to retain Schwarber, they would be sinking around $350 million into just the two stars.

But there is no denying the value that Bregman brings to the table. He has been a proven winner, still sharp with the glove, and that bat changes games. This is what the Phillies need to make another go at the championship glory.