Red Sox veteran's opt out gives Phillies incentive they need to move off Alec Bohm

The Philadelphia Phillies are going into a year when change is not only encouraged, but expected. They fell short in the postseason once again, and now the roster needs to be retooled to keep the World Series window open. Free agency doesn't start for another couple of weeks, but that won't stop the idea of bringing aboard proven MLB talent.

Third baseman Alex Bregman opted out of his deal with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, so the Phillies have their chance at an upgrade at the hot corner. Bregman will also be one of the most notable names in the 2026 free agent class (subscription required). He would be a great addition to a World Series contender in Philadelphia.

Phillies need to consider replacing Alec Bohm with Alex Bregman

Bregman exercised the opt-out after one season with the Red Sox. He finished the year batting .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games. The initial deal was for three years and $120 million. By opting out, he waived the remaining two years and $80 million. Per Spotrac, his market value sits around $27 to $28 million per year on a four-year deal.

Bregman will be 32 next season, but he's still playing at an elite level, and the Phillies could benefit greatly from him in 2026 and beyond. He's a three-time All-Star, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award winner at third base. He's much closer to the full package than what the Phillies have gotten at the third base position in recent years.

The one road block the Phillies have right now is their current third baseman Alec Bohm. Bohm has been solid for the Phillies since he debuted in 2020 with a career .279 batting average, but his ability to slug the ball has shown a ceiling that seemingly can't be overcome. Bohm's power has always been a question, topping out at 20 home runs once in his career.

Then there's the question of his maturity and composure in the season's biggest moments. It has perhaps become too much to overlook anymore, with Bohm having just one year of team control left before he will hit free agency.

On the other hand, Bregman has been very comfortable in the limelight. The big moments don't faze him, and it shows with his 19 career postseason home runs. Those 19 homers also rank seventh all-time in MLB history. He has a proven track record, and it would be great to see that play out for the Phillies.

Bregman provides 25-plus homers consistently with a career .846 OPS and he would mash in a hitter-friendly ballpark like Citizens Bank Park. The only thing it will come down to is the money.

Bregman is a stud infielder from his time with the Houston Astros to his walk year in Boston. He initially signed with the Red Sox for $40 million per year, but that was only because of the shortened number of years on the deal.

If the Phillies want to make a commitment to Bregman, they have to tack on a few more years to drop the AAV. He's also represented by Scott Boras, so the Phillies will most likely have to make multiple bids before all is said and done.

The Phillies have to decide on Bohm soon because it would be terrible to see the same story from the Phillies' offense again next season when they had a chance to upgrade. The Phillies know what Bohm is, but it's time for change.

Bregman is that change, and he's a proven winner. Phillies managing partner John Middleton won't quit until he gets that beloved World Series title, and Bregman will help him get closer to that goal.