Alex Bregman Trade Watch: Which Contenders Are Targeting the Red Sox Star?

By Oliver Wiener June 27, 2025 07:15

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman, who has emerged as one of the most coveted trade assets in the league. Following the blockbuster trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, Bregman now stands as Boston’s premier player and a potential centerpiece for contending teams looking to bolster their playoff chances.

Bregman’s 2025 Performance and Contract Situation

Before a quadriceps injury sidelined him last month, Bregman was enjoying a stellar season. Over 51 games, he posted a .299 batting average with an impressive .938 OPS, tallying 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. His offensive metrics, including isolated power and hard-hit rate, are at career highs, signaling a return to his peak form last seen in 2019. At 31 years old, Bregman was on track for one of his most productive seasons, contributing a 2.9 WAR before the injury curtailed his campaign.

Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox in February, which includes opt-out clauses after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This contractual flexibility adds complexity to Boston’s decision-making. If the Red Sox doubt Bregman’s willingness to re-sign beyond this year, trading him before the deadline could prevent losing him in free agency for no return.

Contenders Interested in Bregman

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and MLB insiders, several playoff contenders have expressed interest in acquiring Bregman. The Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, and New York Mets top the list of teams that could pursue the All-Star third baseman in a trade. These franchises are seeking a proven, high-impact bat who can provide both offensive firepower and postseason experience.

A source close to the negotiations noted, “Bregman’s blend of power, plate discipline, and veteran leadership makes him an ideal fit for teams aiming to make deep playoff runs. His October experience is invaluable.” Given Boston’s current standing hovering near the Wild Card race but six games behind in the AL East the Red Sox could be sellers or buyers depending on their performance in the coming weeks.

Boston’s Strategic Dilemma

The Red Sox face a challenging crossroads. With Devers gone and an outfield logjam including prospects like Jarren Duran and Roman Anthony, Boston has both the financial flexibility and the roster pieces to make a significant trade. However, the team insists it is not outright selling, aiming instead to improve while remaining competitive in 2025.

Agent Scott Boras, representing Bregman, has indicated openness to contract renegotiations, which could influence Boston’s decision to keep or trade their star third baseman. Boras remarked, “If a player is performing at a high level, it’s important for the team and player to consider their options. Those discussions are best initiated by the team.” This suggests that if the Red Sox can secure a long-term commitment from Bregman, a trade becomes less likely.

Potential Returns and Market Value

Bregman’s value is at a premium despite his injury. MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan highlighted that if Boston opts to sell, Bregman would command a substantial return given his elite hitting and contract status. The Red Sox could leverage his trade to acquire young pitching prospects or impact players to accelerate their rebuild or retooling process.

Alex Bregman remains the crown jewel of the Red Sox’s trade assets, attracting serious interest from multiple playoff contenders. While the odds of a trade before the July 31 deadline hover around 10 percent, the evolving dynamics of Boston’s roster and Bregman’s contract situation keep the possibility alive. Whether the Red Sox decide to hold onto their star or cash in for future assets, Bregman’s trade saga will be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 MLB trade season.

As Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow weighs the options, one thing is clear: Bregman’s next destination could significantly reshape the postseason landscape.