Even after Alex Bregman opted out of his contract, the prevailing assumption among reporters and insiders is that he'll return to the Boston Red Sox.
Bregman sought a deal in the six-to-seven year range last offseason, but couldn't find a team to meet both his length and price demands. He signed a three-year, $120 million bridge deal with Boston to test the water and it went well for both sides — Bregman embraced the city in multiple ways while serving as the veteran presence and leader the Red Sox needed to guide them back to the postseason.