3 contracts that could hold the Red Sox back in 2026 and beyond

Wild Card Series - Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees - Game Three | Al Bello/GettyImagesIn 2025, the Boston Red Sox made the playoffs for the first time in four seasons and took big steps toward building the World Series contender the front office has worked on for half a decade. Some big spending from John Henry and Fenway Sports Group helped them get there, including a $120 million deal for Alex Bregman and long-term extensions for Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony.

Of course, Bregman can opt out of the final two years of his deal this offseason, but if he opts in, the Red Sox's payroll will be close to the luxury tax threshold for 2026. Boston will start the season with $237-plus million…