ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan predicts that Bregman will opt-out this winter, leaving the Red Sox in a bind - on multiple fronts.

In a piece published for ESPN on Thursday, MLB Insider Jeff Passan predicted that Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman will opt-out of his contract this winter and test the free agent market again.

Because his deal included opt-outs after each of the first two seasons, Bregman could be playing elsewhere in 2026. Barring an injury or catastrophic slump, he will opt out and join Tucker and Schwarber in a clear top tier among this winter's free agents.

Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with Boston last offseason, but as Passan alludes to, he has an opt-out after each of the first two seasons, and he expects him to utilize the opt-out after year one. He predicted that Bregman will get a strong five-year deal that could be in the $175 million range.

Bregman's decision will have a profound effect on the Red Sox in multiple ways, so let's dive in.

Can Boston afford to bring him back?

The short answer is yes, the Boston Red Sox can physically afford to sign any one they want. However, they've been hesitant to dole out big money in the last few years, especially for aging players, and Bregman will be 32 years old next season.

However, clubhouse leaders who are hitting .281 don't grow on trees. After the trade of Rafael Devers this season to the San Francisco Giants, Boston has even more cash available, further solidifying they have the ability to bring him back - if they want to.

What would happen if they don't bring him back?

Not bringing Bregman back would actually alleviate a roster issue for the organization. Top prospect Marcelo Mayer, currently sidelined with a season-ending wrist injury, could play third, with fellow top prospect Kristian Campbell, currently in Triple-A, coming in at second base. Former top prospect Vaughn Grissom, who still could be traded this winter, could end up as a utility option, with David Hamilton doing so as well.

How does Trevor Story's decision impact things?

The shortstop, who has enjoyed a bounceback season of a .259 average with 23 home runs and 25 stolen bases, has an opt-out himself. While Passan expects him to opt-in, he could also choose to test free agency.

The Red Sox likely can't afford to lose both players, so if Story surprisingly opts-out, they could feel more desperate to bring back Bregman. If both players did leave? The Red Sox would be forced to make another move, in all likelihood, as Hamilton is probably not an every day shortstop, and Campbell is probably not an every day third baseman.

The Red Sox will open up a three-game weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night at 9:40 p.m. ET. Boston is 3.5 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East and 0.5 games behind the New York Yankees for the top wild card spot.