Red Sox 3B Alex Bregman Reportedly Will Enter Free Agency
The biggest question facing the Boston Red Sox right now has to do with Alex Bregman's future with the organization.
If you have been following along this season, you've likely heard about the opt-out in Bregman's deal with Boston. To sum up, he signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox ahead of the 2025 season. The deal has two opt-outs, one after the 2025 season and one after the 2026 season. Essentially, Bregman controls his own destiny.
Bregman was great for Boston this season. He earned his first All-Star nod since 2019 and slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 regular season games. To go along with this, he finished the regular season with an .821 OPS. This was a big jump from .768 in 2024 in his final season with the Houston Astros. Even though he slumped down the stretch, the .821 OPS was actually his highest total since 2019 when he finished in second place in the American League Most Valuable Player Award voting.
He was great on the field and quickly became an integral voice in the clubhouse as well.
All of this is to say, Bregman was great in 2025 in Boston. That's why the idea of his looming opt-out has been such a big talking point. There were even times throughout the season in which both Bregman and the Boston front office were asked about a potential contract extension. Both sides said at the time that they were focused on getting to the playoffs and stacking up wins.
Alex Bregman reportedly will enter free agency
Now, the season is over for Boston and there is even more spotlight on Bregman's decision. On Tuesday night, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Bregman will end up using the opt-out and heading to free agency.
"Alex Bregman will be opting out of his current Red Sox deal, sources say, and off his fine first year in Boston, there could be an extra suitor or two, potentially including at least one surprise team — although Boston still seems like a logical fit," Heyman said. "Bregman’s baseball-first attitude made sense for Boston. The Red Sox still have the $250M-plus saved from the Rafael Devers trade, and loved the veteran leadership of Bregman, the only player to play in the past eight Octobers."
This isn't the first time an MLB insider has said that Bregman is likely to utilize the opt-out. On Oct. 3rd, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that it was a "near certainty" that Bregman would enter free agency
"Bregman can opt out of the final two years and $80 million -- $40 million of which is deferred -- of the three-year, $120 million deal he signed with the Red Sox last February," Feinsand said. "According to a source, it’s a near certainty that Bregman will opt out and test free agency for a second straight year, this time without a qualifying offer attached to him."
This has been a common idea and it makes sense. Bregman is 31 years old and is coming off a phenomenal season overall. Right now, he has two years and $80 million left on his deal -- although some of that cash is deferred as Feinsand noted. Spotrac currently is projecting Bregman's market value to be just over $100 million across four seasons. It would be great to have him back in Boston. It's hard to argue against that idea. Whether or not he returns, heading to the open market at least is projected to be a better long-term business idea for Bregman than continuing on his current deal.
Teryl Austin Preaches No Overlook of Opponents as Steelers Prepare for Bengals
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense was nothing short of elite on Sunday. The unit held the Cleveland Browns' offense to just nine total points and Cleveland was unable to find the end zone at any point in the matchup. Jalen Ramsey played at an extremely high level throughout all four quarters of the game and the veteran was ultimately rewarded by recording two sacks for the first time in his career.
The Steelers' defense has improved immensely since their Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets. The defense will need to continue playing at a high level on Thursday night as Pittsburgh finds themselves facing Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals in a heated AFC North matchup. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin recently took a moment to share his thoughts on the game, as Austin sent a clear message to his team prior to facing the veteran quarterback. Austin doesn't want the Steelers to overlook Flacco and he believes nobody should be taken for granted.
"We don't take anybody for granted," Austin stated. "If you're out there playing, it's because you deserve to play. We don't short anybody."
Flacco is an 18-year veteran who shined during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. The experienced signal-caller has bounced around the league in recent years, but Flacco could still prove to be a serviceable quarterback on Thursday. The Steelers' defense could be in excellent position for another big game against the Bengals and Flacco may struggle in just his second start with the team.
TJ Watt and Cam Heyward will need to consistently apply pressure on Flacco throughout the matchup. Watt was credited with five tackles and half of a sack in Sunday's win against the Browns, but the veteran could find himself having an even better game against the Bengals on Thursday. Heyward recorded two tackles against the Browns on Sunday and the veteran could play a crucial role on the defensive line against Cincinnati.
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Could Also Play A Crucial Role On Thursday Night
Ramsey had one of the best games of his career against the Browns on Sunday. The talented veteran will certainly have his hands full once again on Thursday as Ramsey will be tasked with covering superstar wide receiver Ja'Maar Chase. Chase is widely regarded as the best wide receiver in football and Ramsey will have to be at his best against the generational playmaker.
Ramsey's role on Thursday could have a direct effect on the outcome of the game. Chase is an elite route runner with excellent speed, and Ramsey will need to contain him to the best of his ability. Both Ramsey and Chase are two of the best at their position and the veteran cornerback will need to play at an extremely high level for the second week in a row.
Flacco has struggled in 2025 but the veteran quarterback could still shine with Chase as his top weapon. The Steelers' defense will look to apply constant pressure on Flacco and contain Chase as much as possible, as the unit as a whole has played much better over the course of the last few weeks. Pittsburgh will be on the road in Cincinnati on Thursday night as the Steelers will look to widen their lead in the AFC North.
