Alex Bregman Declines $80 Million Option, Enters Free Agency After Injury-Affected Season

Three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman has become a free agent, declining an $80 million player option for 2026 and 2027 from his three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. Bregman, 31, received $40 million for his single season with Boston, which included $20 million this year, a $5 million signing bonus payable in 2028, and $20 million in deferred installments starting in 2035. He batted .273 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 114 games, having been sidelined from May 23 to July 11 due to a strained right quadriceps.