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18 October 2025

Bregman Alonso And Bellinger Set To Shake MLB Free Agency

Three top Scott Boras clients prepare to opt out, while the Tampa Bay Rays eye a spending boost under new ownership ahead of a pivotal offseason.

As the 2025 MLB World Series draws to a dramatic close, the baseball world is buzzing with anticipation—not just for the crowning of a new champion, but for the seismic shifts expected in free agency. Three of the league's marquee stars, all represented by the ever-influential agent Scott Boras, are poised to opt out of their contracts and test the open market. Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, and Cody Bellinger have all signaled their intentions to explore new opportunities, setting the stage for one of the most intriguing offseasons in recent memory.

Boras, known for his bold negotiation tactics, orchestrated short-term deals with opt-outs for his clients, giving them the flexibility to prove their worth and capitalize on their market value. It's a strategy that's paid off in the past—just ask Matt Chapman or Blake Snell, both of whom parlayed similar arrangements into lucrative contracts. Now, Bregman, Alonso, and Bellinger are following suit, and the entire league is watching closely.

Let's start with Alex Bregman. After signing a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox in February 2025, Bregman quickly established himself as the heartbeat of the team. His leadership in the clubhouse was as evident as his performance on the field. Even after suffering a right-quad injury in late May, which sidelined him until July, Bregman returned with determination, posting solid numbers and anchoring the Red Sox lineup. Fenway Park seemed to suit him well, and by all accounts, he enjoyed his stint in Boston. Yet, with an opt-out clause after each season, the expectation is that Bregman will officially test free agency once the World Series wraps up.

The Red Sox front office appears divided on whether Bregman should be part of their long-term plans. While some see him as a cornerstone, others are less convinced, leaving the door open for rival teams. The Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets are all expected to be in the market for a third baseman, making Bregman one of the most coveted players this winter. Teams looking to upgrade at the hot corner will be watching his decision closely.

Moving on to Pete Alonso, the slugger has been nothing short of a phenomenon for the New York Mets. Alonso re-signed with the Mets in January 2025 on a two-year, $54 million contract, continuing his tenure with the team that drafted and developed him. This season, he etched his name into franchise history by breaking the all-time home run record previously held by Daryl Strawberry. Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen captured the moment with infectious enthusiasm: "IT’S OUTTA HERE! OUTTA HERE! PETE ALONSO STANDS ALONE! THE POLAR BEAR, ON HIS OWN PRIVATE ICEBERG! PETE ALONSO, THE MOST PROLIFIC HOME RUN HITTER IN NEW YORK METS HISTORY!"

Alonso has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain a Met for life. However, the decision may not rest solely with him. While owner Steve Cohen played a pivotal role in securing Alonso's last contract, the front office—led by David Stearns—has been less committal. The question now is whether the Mets will make a strong push to retain their franchise star or allow him to walk. Should Alonso hit the market, expect the Red Sox, Mariners, Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers to come calling, each eager to add his prodigious power to their lineup.

Cody Bellinger's journey has been no less compelling. After signing with the Chicago Cubs in the winter of 2024, Bellinger exercised his club option but never suited up for the Cubs in 2025. Instead, he was traded to the New York Yankees in December 2024, where he enjoyed a resurgence. Bellinger posted a .272 batting average, slugged 29 home runs, and delivered a .814 OPS, all while providing stellar defense in the outfield. Despite his success in the Bronx, reports surfaced in October 2025 that Bellinger would opt out of his deal, adding another big name to the free agent pool. Yankees GM Brian Cashman confirmed that, as of Thursday, he had not yet engaged in talks with Bellinger's representatives, but made it clear the team valued his contributions and would pursue him in free agency.

Bellinger's resume speaks for itself: a former NL Rookie of the Year and NL MVP, he remains one of the most intriguing players available. The Yankees are expected to make a strong effort to retain him, but competition will be fierce. The Mets, Phillies, Mariners, and Atlanta Braves are all rumored to have interest, and Bellinger's market could heat up quickly once free agency opens.

While the spotlight shines on these three Boras clients, other teams are preparing for a transformative offseason. The Tampa Bay Rays, for instance, finished the 2025 MLB season with a record below .500, but showed flashes of competitiveness in both pitching and offense. Despite missing out on postseason play, there's a renewed sense of optimism in Tampa Bay thanks to new ownership, which took over the franchise in 2025. The top priority for the new regime is building a new stadium in Florida, but perhaps more intriguing for fans is the promise of increased payroll.

The Rays have long operated with one of the smallest budgets in baseball, relying on a shrewd front office to consistently punch above their weight. Now, with fresh ownership and a potential boost in spending, Tampa Bay could become a surprise player in free agency. According to Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, the Rays might finally shed their reputation as perennial penny-pinchers and make moves to strengthen their roster. While they aren't expected to match the lavish spending of the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers, even a modest increase in payroll could make a significant difference. The Rays' ability to identify and develop young talent, combined with a willingness to spend, could usher in a new era of competitiveness for the franchise.

As the offseason approaches, the baseball landscape is bracing for change. The decisions made by Bregman, Alonso, and Bellinger will have ripple effects across the league, reshaping rosters and altering the balance of power. Meanwhile, teams like the Rays are poised to shake up their approach, adding another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating winter. With so much uncertainty and possibility in the air, fans are left to wonder: Who will land the biggest stars, and which teams will emerge as the surprise contenders in 2026?

One thing is certain—the hot stove season is about to ignite, and the moves made in the coming weeks will set the tone for the next chapter of Major League Baseball. As the dust settles on the World Series, all eyes shift to the front offices, where the real drama is just getting started.