Structure of Red Sox-Alex Bregman contract shows Dodgers could strike again in 2026

The Red Sox followed the Dodgers' lead when they included "significant" deferrals in Alex Bregman's three-year, $120 million deal, which was reported on Wednesday night. Of course, the Dodgers didn't invent the deferral strategy, but they could probably write the book on it, given that their deferred total now exceeds $1 billion. The present-day value of Bregman's deal will land closer to $90 million according to Buster Olney, and includes an opt-out after the first and second seasons.

It's unclear which party the options belong to yet, but it's likely they're Bregman's, to give him some optionality to hit the market again in the event he has an outstanding season with a bad Red Sox team. As of now, of course, that is not the goal; Boston has high expectations, and so does the ex-Astro.

The Dodgers never seemed to be actively in the conversation for Bregman, who fans will probably always abhor for his membership on the Astros' 2017 roster, but he could be interesting option if he does opt out after 2025. That is, of course, also when Max Muncy could also hit the free agent market if the Dodgers decline their club option for 2026.

Alex Bregman's Red Sox opt-out after 2025 could give Dodgers an interesting Max Muncy pivot

This is all conditional, of course, on how Bregman actually does in his first year with the Red Sox. If he's good and the team is winning, it's likely he'll stay. If he's good and the team is bad, then he'll probably go. If he's bad, then no matter how the Red Sox are doing, he'll stay and cash out. Bregman is getting older and is on a gentle decline, and he'll be 32 by the time the 2026 season starts. If he starts getting injured and/or his performance notably suffers this year, then there'd be little reason for him to test free agency again.

However, if he can prove that he'll just get better with age, then he could be an interesting addition for the Dodgers after Muncy departs (barring an extension for Muncy, which feels unlikely). The question then will be if fans will actually welcome him in LA, even almost 10 seasons removed from the 2017 debacle, and if they'll accept the Dodgers letting go of Muncy, now a two-time World Series champion with them, in favor of a key piece in their toppling in '17.

The Dodgers front office might not care that much about fan reception if it would mean Bregman would help them win, though, so you never know.