The Boston Red Sox finally made the splash free agent signing that their fans expected since the start of the offseason. According to multiple reports, the Red Sox agreed to a deal with All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman.
Bregman, who was considered the best remaining player on the free agent market, will reportedly ink a three-year, $120 million deal. The agreement between the two sides contains opt-outs after each of the first two years and comes with deferred money.
Bregman played in 145 games with the Houston Astros last season, batting .260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs. He received a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer from Houston, where he spent his entire MLB career, at the end of the campaign, but rejected in favor of exploring free agency.
While Bregman remained unsigned for longer than expected, it wasn’t for lack of offers as several teams pursued him heavily. The Astros tried to retain him with a six-year, $156 million offer while the Detroit Tigers offered a six-year, $171 million.
Eventually, the Red Sox swooped in with a shorter deal but one that had a significantly bigger average yearly salary. Boston’s head coach Alex Cora reportedly insisted on singing Bregman, with the two previously working together when Cora served as Astros’ bench coach in 2017.
Bregman played most of his career at third base, but will likely transition to second base with the Red Sox. The move will allow the franchise’s star third baseman Rafael Devers to stay at his preferred position.
Alex Bregman made his MLB Debut in 2016. He has two All-Star appearances and an All-MLB Second Team selection from 2019 while winning two World Series with the Astros. Bregman’s career stats include a .272 batting average, 1,132 hits, 191 homers, and 663 RBIs.
