Buckle up, Boston Red Sox fans, because this off-season may feel like deja vu to you. Alex Bregman, one of the best all-around players in the league today, is now officially headed to free agency. Boston had swooped in last February and signed the three-time all-star just as spring training was kicking off. Now, after a solid season in Boston, fans are wondering whether Bregman will stay or move away!

Because from day one, Bregman fit into Boston’s mound well—he was gritty, confident, and meant for those big moments. Sure, there is no denying there was drama with Devers, positions to play, and more, but everything seemed perfect in the end, and he became that “veteran” presence in Boston’s lineup.

But as strong as he was on the field, the team now faces a major dilemma—how to keep their third baseman without overextending in an already unpredictable market? And hence, talks about where he would end up have started making the rounds—and Jon Heyman has a pick, and it’s not what Boston fans really think.

Jon Heyman dropped a major clue in his podcast, saying that while Bregman will opt out of his current deal, it doesn’t mean that the Red Sox have to panic. “Certainly, Bregman will be opting out. That’s no surprise,” Heyman said. “But just because he’s opting out doesn’t mean he’s leaving. Everything’s worked out great in Boston. He’s a great fit for that city, that ballpark, that team.”

Heyman also emphasizes that the Boston Red Sox remain the most likely landing spot once the free-agency dust settles. Boston seems to have the financial flexibility, and moreover, it could use a veteran presence. “Bregman living in Boston is the most likely candidate to sign Bregman or re-sign Bregman… They need a third baseman. He had a nice year, and he’s a great fit with so many young guys around. It’s a perfect match.”

Players like Roman Anthony and Triston Casas looked up to Bregman all season, and this kind of leadership is actually hard to come by. Sure, many insiders may be commenting on Boston going for a different option, but maybe Bregman is just right.

Tigers desperately need someone like Alex Bregman

The Tigers’ season ended in heartbreak again! For the second straight year, they were taken out in game 5 of the ALCS, and this time by the Seattle Mariners. It was a gut punch that basically summed up their year—a year full of unfulfilled promises. As well, Detroit’s offense was its Achilles heel. They looked unstoppable early on in the season, but then summer turned to fall, and their bats ran cold and quiet, too.

That 15.5-game lead in the division vanished into thin air, and in that 15-inning Game 5 loss to Seattle, that lack of timely hitting was impossible to ignore. Now the Detroit Tigers have a chance to fix that, and at the center of who can fix it is Alex Bregman. The all-star third baseman nearly joined Detroit last off-season before signing a three-year, $120 million deal with Boston. And this time, the Detroit Tigers may really push for him.

Bleacher’s Reports Joel Reuter has projected that Bregman would land a five-year $175 million contract and called the $35 million annual value a reasonable ask. Given that he is someone who has piled up over 43 WAR in his career. However, that price tag might make him hesitate, and here is the thing—Bregman seems well worth it given he is hitting. 273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in just 114 games.

Last winter, the Tigers came up short; maybe this time, they can rectify their pitch and get Bregman to sign.