“Opting out was such a silly move” - Fans react as Alex Bregman’s camp reportedly initiates talks with Mariners amid slow free agency

Alex Bregman was expected to have plenty of suitors, with the Boston Red Sox being the firm favorites to re-sign the infielder after he opted out of his three-year $120 million contract after just the first season. But Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, hasn't received any appealing deals, which has prompted him to look at alternatives for his client.

As reported by Adam Jude of The Seattle Times on Thursday, Boras started the preliminary round of talks with the Seattle Mariners organization.

"Mega agent Scott Boras, representing Alex Bregman, the top free-agent third baseman on the market, has initiated discussions with the Mariners to express Bregman’s willingness to consider Seattle as a destination, an industry source told The Times," Jude reported.

Fans took it as a sign that Bregman wasn't receiving the desired value he had expected from the market.

Here are a few reactions from X:

"Opting out was such a silly move. He was getting Aaron judge money the next two years if he just opted in," a fan opined.

"He's not getting what he wants. He's back in Boston on a short-term deal," another fan wrote.

"Holy “I’m looking for leverage” type of play," a fan said.

"Seattle's not going to give him anywhere near what he wants and he's a Boras client," a fan stated.

"I’ve said it he was dumb for turning down 40 a year for the next two but looks like Scott overplayed his hands once again," a fan added.

Bregman's decision to opt out could have been motivated by the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between the league and the MLB Players' Association. It could heavily influence the salary caps and limit his chances of getting a long-term contract after 2027.

The Mariners, meanwhile, desperately need to upgrade their hot corner position. Third baseman Ben Williamson played 85 games, recording a 1.3 bWAR in 2025. Bregman hit at .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs with .821 OPS in 114 games played in 2025, recording a 3.5 bWAR.

MLB insider predicts Red Sox will beat out contenders for Alex Bregman

Bob Nightengale of USA Today, in his column on Wednesday, predicted Bregman will go back to the Red Sox, albeit with a lower salary. Boston is expected to beat out their closest contenders, the Detroit Tigers.

"Bregman returns to Boston, but won’t get anywhere near the $40 million annual salary he left behind," Nightengale wrote.

Now with the Mariners in the fray, Nightengale could reassess his position. But the Red Sox value his presence in their clubhouse, as in his first year at the club, he brought a sense of leadership, proving to be a good guide for young prospects making their way to the big leagues.

Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy