The Boston Red Sox enter this offseason staring down one of their most complicated decisions in years- and at the center of it all is Alex Bregman. After their season ended abruptly with a Wild Card loss to the Yankees, the conversation quickly shifted from October heartbreak to the future of one of the franchise’s most important players.

Bregman and shortstop Trevor Story both hold opt-out clauses that could reshape Boston’s infield before 2026. Bregman’s three-year, $120 million deal allows him to walk away from the final two years and $80 million to test free agency, while Story faces his own decision tied to a six-year, $140 million contract. Neither player revealed much after the Game 3 loss, but teammates were far more candid- highlighting how much Bregman’s leadership and steady presence have meant since his arrival in Boston.

Several Red Sox team members spoke candidly about Bregman’s influence, making their hopes crystal clear. “Obviously, he was a big boost to the team this year,” pitcher Garrett Crochet said. “I think everyone has nothing but positive things to say about him as a teammate. [The contract stuff is] out of my control, regardless. Where he ends up, I hope it’s with us. But that’s a guy I’ll root on for the rest of his career.”

His words seize the mood inside the team, admiration coupled with a sense of uncertainty about what comes in the next chapter.

Trevor Story, who constructed a strong bond with Bregman during their time together on the left side of the infield, went a step further. He called keeping Bregman “a huge priority” this offseason, quoting his postseason pedigree and leadership. “[Getting to know Bregman] was fun, man. It was special. You saw the impact that he had on this organization — on the field, off the field, leadership-wise, all of it,” Story cited.

“He’s a special player. He’s a special mind. Obviously, very sought-after. He helped us get to where we’re at today. Hopefully, we can keep him for a long time.” Story’s comments underscore how deeply integrated Bregman has become in the franchise’s identity.

Apart from words, Bregman’s performance emphasizes his importance in the team. The 31-year-old posted a .273/.360/.462 slash line in 2025 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs, helping guide Boston back to the postseason for a second straight year.

This was his ninth consecutive playoff appearance, seven with the Astros and now two with the Sox, highlighting his talent for being part of winning franchises. The front office is in a dilemma between Bregman retention and making their team better by spending more financially.

The team player’s stance is unmistakable: keeping Bregman is not just a baseball decision but about securing the leadership core that has defined their recent recovery.

As the Red Sox franchise makes its feelings clear, outside interest is already building, and one team out West will emerge as a potential suitor if Bregman opts for the open market.

Mariners linked to Bregman

The Seattle Mariners have silently been floated as a probable landing mark for Alex Bregman this offseason, adding an interesting twist to Boston’s looming contract dilemma.

Following their Wild Card Series loss to the Yankees, Bregman is widely thought to use the opt-out clause in his three-year, $120 million contract, making him one of the most highly sought-after players in a relatively thin free-agent class.

And according to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, Seattle is among the clunhouses to “keep an eye on” in the upcoming gambling contest.

Kelly pointed to the Mariners’ unreliability at third base as a significant reason Bregman’s name is in the mix. “Considering the dip in Eugenio Suárez’s production after he was reacquired by the Mariners—along with the fact that he had a .751 OPS during his first stint with the team—it’s unlikely they are going to be able to convince the slugger to re-sign this winter,” Kelly cites.

He also claimed Seattle’s long-standing difficulty in captivating right-handed power bats at T-Mobile Park, due to its reputation as a pitcher-friendly stadium. Still, he highlighted, “the M’s are worth mentioning here,” thanks to their elite starting pitching and strong offensive core of Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez.

The fit, at least on paper, is convincing. The Mariners are anticipated to lose Suárez in free agency, leaving a vacant spot at third base. Acquiring Bregman would fill that hole and signal a bold offensive upgrade for a franchise looking for a dependable middle-of-the-order presence.

Bregman’s postseason experience and leadership could supplement Seattle’s young core, potentially making them a serious American League competitor.

However, as Kelly highlighted, financial restriction will be the significant element; the Mariners would need to both re-sign first baseman Josh Naylor and find the resources to tempt Bregman in what will more likely be a competitive gambling fight.

For Seattle, this is not just a theoretical splash but a chance to reconstruct its lineup. While their pitching staff is among the league’s best, offensive consistency has held them back in recent seasons. Adding Bregman would only give them a proven star who shines under playoff pressure.

Whether Jerry Dipoto and the Mariners’ front office are ready to make that kind of financial jump remains to be seen, but their mention in early speculation is telling. The race for Bregman’s signature is shaping up to be one of baseball’s most fascinating offseason headlines.