Recently, Jon Heyman of the New York Post projected that Alex Bregman would opt out of his contract at the end of the year and his new deal would reach $200 million in free agency.
If the Red Sox are going to sign Bregman to a new contract, they’re going to need to be smart with their money this offseason. That could include cutting ties with a few expensive players.
FanSided’s Zachary Rotman recently suggested the Red Sox would let veteran pitcher Aroldis Chapman walk in free agency as a casualty of Bregman’s contract update.
“Chapman signed a one-year deal with Boston and is 37 years old. His performance this season has warranted a lucrative contract that will almost certainly be for multiple years,” Rotman wrote. “This bullpen might struggle without Chapman, but is it worth overpaying a reliever who will be 38 years old next season, especially after committing all that money to Bregman? Chances are, the Red Sox will go the cheaper route in the bullpen.”
It seems like Chapman will leave town after this season, regardless. At this point in the veteran’s career, he’s likely going to sign a one-year deal with whichever team is willing to offer him the most money. The Red Sox likely won’t have the money to bring him back in the offseason, especially if they’re going to try to give $200 million to Bregman.
That brings up the interesting idea that the Red Sox could trade Chapman and still try to contend this year. Boston could try to land a star prospect or two from a contending team in a deal for Chapman.