Reports: Red Sox 3B Alex Bregman opts out of deal
After one solid but unspectacular year with the Boston Red Sox, third baseman Alex Bregman is set to opt out of his contract and become a free agent again, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.
Bregman arrived in Boston on three-year, $120 million deal in February, but the pact gave him the right to opt out after each of the first two seasons.
While Bregman could return to the Red Sox with a revised contract, multiple other clubs reportedly will have interest in speaking with him this winter. MLB.com listed the Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners as possible suitors, and the New York Post reported that the Kansas City Royals also could be in the mix.
Agent Scott Boras told The Boston Globe in June that Bregman was open "to any conversation" to re-up his deal.
"Any player who plays well somewhere, it's something that's important for the team and important for the player. It's an additive," Boras said.
Bregman, 31, earned his third career All-Star appearance this year and finished the year batting .273 with a .360 on-base percentage, a .462 slugging percentage, 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 114 games. He was sidelined from late May to mid-July due to a strained right quadriceps.
The Red Sox doubled down on their commitment to Bregman being their third baseman when they traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on June 15. Devers was Boston's incumbent third baseman before the arrival of Bregman, who won a Gold Glove in 2024.
Devers complained when moved to designated hitter before the start of the season, and he was even more vocal in his opposition when the club asked if he would be willing to play first base after Triston Casas got hurt. The trade soon followed.
Bregman was a two-time World Series champion while playing for the Houston Astros from 2016-24. In 10 major league seasons (1,225 games), he has a .272/.365/.481 batting line with 209 home runs and 725 RBIs.
Lakers’ Struggles Fuel Shocking LeBron Trade Odds
Is a reunion among LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis in the cards?
According to oddsmakers, it’s not only possible — it’s currently the most likely outcome.
Betting site Bovada has installed the Dallas Mavericks as the favorites to land the Los Angeles Lakers superstar ahead of the February 2026 NBA trade deadline, giving Dallas -120 odds to acquire the four-time MVP.
Trailing far behind are the Cleveland Cavaliers (+350), Golden State Warriors (+450), and New York Knicks (+550). James’ former team, the Miami Heat, are tied with the Phoenix Suns
If these odds are any indication, a LeBron-to-Dallas reunion with Irving and Davis could soon become one of the biggest NBA storylines of the year.
LeBron James Trade Rumors Gain Steam
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz fueled speculation further, calling James “the most ambitious trade target” for Dallas and outlining a potential deal structure that could actually work under the salary cap.
“If LeBron James grows tired of being a No. 2 option with the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing his career with the Dallas Mavericks is an intriguing option,” Swartz wrote.
Swartz proposed a scenario where Dallas sends Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin and Naji Marshall to Los Angeles in exchange for James’ $52.6 million contract — a framework that would keep stars like Davis, Irving,
“We know all too well that these front offices can negotiate behind the scenes. If James is looking for a new home, the Mavericks should be extremely interested in reuniting the four-time MVP with Irving and Davis.”
Such a move would also reunite James with Jason Kidd and Frank Vogel, the same coaching duo that helped him and the Lakers capture the 2020 NBA championship in the Orlando bubble.
James Watching Lakers Closely During Injury Rehab
James, who turns 41 in December, is currently sidelined with sciatica and expected to miss three to four weeks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania
While he recovers, James will reportedly be closely monitoring the Lakers’ early-season performance.
“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on NBA Today. “If they’re struggling, that could lead to the next step — maybe he’s gonna have to go elsewhere to find that winning combination.”
The Lakers have opened the preseason 1-3, despite Luka Dončić dropping 25 points in 22 minutes against the Suns, while the Mavericks are 2-1.
Lakers’ Roster Uncertainty and Mavericks’ Momentum
Los Angeles made notable offseason additions — including Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia — without sacrificing their lone tradable first-round pick (2031 or 2032).
However, their early preseason play has done little to inspire confidence, especially with James sidelined and Dončić only recently debuting.
Meanwhile, Dallas looks rejuvenated, buoyed by the arrival of Flagg, this year’s No. 1 pick, who’s drawn comparisons to a young LeBron for his two-way skill set.
“You damn right,”
If the Mavericks were to trade for James, the Lakers legend could both mentor Flagg and reunite with Irving and Davis in what would instantly become one of the NBA’s most-watched teams.
Will LeBron Finish His Career in Dallas?
For now, James remains under contract with the Lakers, but his patience — and the team’s playoff trajectory — could define the season.
If Los Angeles falters early, and Dallas stays hot, the groundwork may already be in place for a blockbuster deal that reshapes the Western Conference.
Until then, LeBron’s message remains the same: the priority is winning — and if that means leaving Los Angeles, oddsmakers believe Dallas may be waiting with open arms.
