Report: Red Sox third baseman officially opts out, will become free agent

One of the least surprising developments of the offseason is now official.

Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman has formally opted out of his contract and is now a free agent, according to multiple reports.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post first reported Bregman’s intention to opt out, and Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe was first on the official decision Monday.

Bregman’s decision to opt out was widely expected. The three-time All-Star originally sought a lucrative long-term contract last offseason but was unable to land a suitable deal. Instead Bregman agreed to a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox that included opt outs after each year, essentially giving the veteran the ability to test the market again whenever he wanted.

Now Bregman will get another bite at the apple.

Though Bregman’s first season in Boston did not go off without a hitch, it was largely successful. The 31-year-old batted .273 with 18 home runs and an .821 OPS while playing standout defense at third base. He was named an All-Star and a Silver Slugger finalist despite missing more than a month with a quad strain, though his production fell off in the second half, especially in September ahead of the club’s final playoff push.

Even with the injury and the slump, Bregman remains the top free agent available at third base. He also won’t have to worry about his market being impacted by a qualifying offer like it was last year, when any club that signed him would have to forfeit a draft pick.

Bregman is currently one of five players from last year’s Red Sox club to hit free agency, joining outfielder Rob Refsnyder, right-hander Dustin May and left-handers Steven Matz and Justin Wilson.

Three others could potentially still join them. Right-handers Lucas Giolito and Liam Hendriks hold mutual options that are likely to be declined, and shortstop Trevor Story has an opt out, which the Red Sox could void by picking up a club option for 2028. The deadline for each of those situations to be resolved in Thursday.