When Alex Bregman landed in Boston, it created a storm inside the clubhouse that we are all aware of. Talking about now, the Red Sox’s 2025 race ended in the Wild Card, and in the aftermath, the front office started working on restructuring the roster. What followed was one brewing question: Would Breggy stay, or would he opt out? And if he does, what will the front office do? The latest update suggests a decision has been made by both him and the clubhouse. However, an insider suggests that a familiar October force might be ready to swoop in.

In February 2025, Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox with opt-outs after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. He played 114 games and batted .273 in his first season in Boston with 18 home runs and 62 runs batted in with an OPS of .822. Not only that, he also had a big effect on BTS, and it was his leadership in the dugout that the skipper praised in mid-season. Now, with free agency looming, Bregman has decided to opt out.

So does this mean the Red Sox will re-sign him?

According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, probably not. “The Red Sox loved their time with Alex Bregman and appreciated all he did on and off the field,” Bowden stated. “That said, I’m not sure they’ll be willing to commit to Bregman on a long-term contract at his market price.” The projected contract figures are floating around $200M, as Jon Heyman mentioned in the middle of the season.

Well, that amount exceeds what Boston feels comfortable investing in a player entering his age-31 season, despite the undeniable value he brought as a mentor to their developing core.

That hesitation has opened the door for other clubhouses, and Ken Rosenthal has identified one particularly intriguing possibility. Speaking on “Starkville,” Rosenthal mentioned the Philadelphia Phillies as a potential landing spot. “Maybe it’s Bregman,” Rosenthal said. “Put him at third base, trade Alec Bohm. It’s something they discussed last year, trading Alec Bohm.”

With Alec Bohm’s contract ending this season and his performance declining, make a place for Bregman in the lineup. And not only that, their DH, Kyle Schwarber, hitting the free agency gives them financial room, too.

Alex Bregman brings both World Series experience and elite ability, making him an excellent choice for the Phillies, who have been a strong contender for October Glory.

Now that the A-Breg chapter is almost closed with the Red Sox, how will they fill his void?

What is Boston’s next step?

With Bregman’s opt-out changing the narrative about the offseason, the Red Sox now have a clear choice: either fill his spot from within or move resources around to change the infield and the overall lineup power. The choice will affect how they handle the years 2026 and beyond.

If Bregman leaves, the easiest person for Boston to replace him is Marcelo Mayer. Mayer began as a shortstop but seamlessly transitioned to third base during Bregman’s seven-week injury this season, showcasing strong footwork and arm strength.

With Trevor Story likely remaining at shortstop, Mayer’s move to third becomes a viable option, indicating the team’s trust in its young players—a trend Boston has embraced recently.

Adding a more powerful presence to the position is another option. Eugenio Suarez is a great option for third base on the market right now if the Red Sox want someone who can immediately produce runs. In 2025, he hit 49 home runs, tying his career high in Arizona and Seattle.

His right-handed power is well-suited for Fenway’s Green Monster, allowing Boston to keep Mayer in his natural position while making an instant impact in the batting order.

There are other options, too, that the Red Sox front office can also look for if they go with Mayer playing at 3B. Adding a power hitter at second base.

Pete Alonso is probably going to be a free agent. He has great, steady home-run power. Bo Bichette, who had an OPS of .840 in 2025, might also be an option, but he might need to be able to play multiple positions—either he shifts to second base or Trevor Story does.

Another option is Gleyber Torres. He might not hit 40 home runs, but he always hits 15–20 and has good contact abilities. With so many options available, it will be interesting to see which way Craig Breslow goes.