Boston Red Sox supporters have reason to celebrate as the MLB offseason heats up, with fresh insights from a New York Yankees insider delivering welcome news about star third baseman Alex Bregman. Bryan Hoch, MLB.com’s longtime Yankees beat reporter, recently stated that he does not expect the Yankees to pursue Bregman in free agency, citing the team’s prior trade for Ryan McMahon and its impact on payroll flexibility. This update eliminates one of the most feared rivals from the bidding war, boosting optimism that the Red Sox can retain their All-Star infielder, whom insiders describe as the club’s unequivocal top priority for re-signing.
Bregman, now 31, opted out of the final two years of his three-year, $120 million bridge deal with Boston earlier this offseason, forgoing $80 million ($40 million deferred) to test the market without a qualifying offer attached. The move was widely anticipated after a resurgent 2025 campaign where he slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs, 28 doubles, and 62 RBIs in 114 games, despite a seven-week quad injury that sidelined him mid-season. His .821 OPS led all Red Sox regulars with at least 100 games played, and he earned his third All-Star nod while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense at third base.
What makes Hoch’s report music to Red Sox ears is the context of the Yankees’ situation. New York acquired McMahon from the Colorado Rockies at the 2025 trade deadline, committing $32 million annually through 2027 to bolster the hot corner. Hoch noted that this financial obligation, combined with pursuits of higher-profile targets like outfielder Kyle Tucker or Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, likely precludes a serious run at Bregman. For years, the Yankees have swooped in on free agents coveted by Boston—think Johnny Damon or Jacoby Ellsbury—leaving Red Sox Nation scarred. Bregman’s history only amplifies the relief: he tormented New York with a .924 OPS in seven regular-season games and .862 in the Wild Card series, plus three playoff eliminations during his Houston Astros days.
Red Sox brass has been vocal about prioritizing Bregman. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora have praised his leadership, mentoring young stars like Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony while stepping up as the clubhouse’s de facto captain after Rafael Devers’ mid-season trade to San Francisco. Bregman himself expressed affinity for Boston, telling reporters that securing a long-term home where he can finish his career is a “very high priority.” Sources indicate the organization views him as irreplaceable at third, especially with no proven internal replacement—Mayer flashed potential filling in but posted a .674 OPS in limited action.
The Yankees bowing out narrows the field, but competition remains fierce. Teams like the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, and even surprise suitors could drive up the price. Projections vary wildly: some foresee a six-year, $182 million pact, while others suggest Boston could lure him back with security and familiarity. Agent Scott Boras, known for maximizing deals, has signaled Bregman’s market will differ this time—no QO means no draft-pick compensation for suitors.
Bregman’s fit in Boston extends beyond stats. He thrived in the AL East pressure cooker, posting career-high exit velocities and hard-hit rates. His veteran presence stabilized a young roster that reached the playoffs as a Wild Card before falling to none other than the Yankees. Retaining him would signal ambition from ownership, which has faced criticism for payroll restraint post-Devers trade. Pairing Bregman with emerging talents like Triston Casas (when healthy) and Jarren Duran could form a potent core.
As free agency officially opens five days after the World Series, the Red Sox are poised to act swiftly. Insiders remain cautiously optimistic about a reunion, with one Boston source noting Bregman’s enjoyment of the city and organization’s upward trajectory. For a fanbase weary of losing stars to pinstriped poachers, Hoch’s scoop feels like a dodged bullet. If the Red Sox secure their top priority, Fenway’s faithful can envision contention in 2026—and beyond—without glancing nervously over their shoulders at the Bronx.
