Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman is expected to opt out of the final two years of his three-year, $120 million contract. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Tuesday that it will happen.

If Bregman leaves the Red Sox to sign with another team in free agency, could Marcelo Mayer, a natural shortstop and Baseball America’s No. 9 overall prospect, be relied on to fill the void left at third base?

Another layer exists: Shortstop Trevor Story has the ability to opt out, too. If he signs elsewhere, Mayer would be his obvious successor.

Story has two years and $55 million remaining on his six-year, $140 million contract. The Red Sox can void his opt-out if he triggers it by adding an extra one-year, $20 million to the deal for 2028.

Mayer has the ability to replace either Bregman or

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