Alex Bregman is set to hit free agency this MLB off-season, and should garner plenty of intrigue around baseball. After spending the past season with the Boston Red Sox, the veteran third baseman now hits free agency once again. Bregman’s one-year stop in Boston proved productive, both offensive and defensively, and he’ll be one of the hotter commodities on the free agent market.
Now, the question becomes whether Boston will push to retain the All-Star infielder or if another team will swoop in with a long-term offer. Here are three possible destinations for Alex Bregman this winter:
Boston Red Sox
Bregman opted out of his contract with the Red Sox, but perhaps only to secure more money on the MLB open market. But he may not have to go far to find a solid offer, as returning to Boston may make the most sense. He is a perfect fit for the team, especially with Rafael Devers gone and the positional issues being resolved, and the team will do what they can to retain their only offensive All-Star from 2025.
Bregman has publicly expressed that playing in Boston has been something he “definitely … loved” and that finding a long-term home is a “very high priority.”
Seattle Mariners
If the Mariners want to capitalize on their current contention window, they’ll have to be active in free agency. Two of the important players from their ALCS run in 2025 are set to enter free agency in 2026, as there is a chance that both Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor depart Seattle.
Bregman would be a seamless fit in replacing Suarez at third base, and would likely be an upgrade for the upcoming season and in the future. Having his bat in the lineup would be a luxury to fit around Cal Raleigh. But there are questions about the fit in Seattle. Bregman’s offensive numbers typically drop somewhat in the Mariners’ home park, and the division/league context might shift his value.
Detroit Tigers
After looking like a World Series contender in 2025, the Tigers collapsed at the end of the MLB season. In order to make another run in 2026, they’ll be looking to re-tool, and could be considered by Alex Bregman’s camp as a possible destination. Detroit has a need to fill at the third base position with Zach McKinstry no longer under contract, and an All-Star caliber player could be worth the money to get them over the hump.
Bregman also has a history with Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who was Bregman’s manager for four years with the Houston Astros.
