Sources: Alex Bregman Signs Free Agent Deal with Red Sox
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Alex Bregman Signs Three-Year, $120 Million Deal with Boston Red Sox
Free agent Alex Bregman has found a new home, agreeing to a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night, sources told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. The contract includes two opt-outs and deferred money, making Bregman the highest-paid player per year on the market at $40 million—more than $10 million above offers from other teams.
Bregman, the most sought-after free agent this offseason, is expected to transition to second base for Boston. While he primarily played third base for the Houston Astros since 2020, Boston’s star third baseman Rafael Devers will remain in his position. Bregman’s move to second aligns with manager Alex Cora’s vision; the two share a strong connection from their time together in Houston, where Cora previously referred to Bregman as a potential “Gold Glove second baseman.”
Strengthening Boston’s Lineup
Bregman bolsters a Red Sox team that has been retooling its roster this offseason. Alongside Bregman’s potent bat, Boston has revamped its pitching staff, acquiring Garrett Crochet via trade and signing free agents Walker Buehler and Aroldis Chapman. After guaranteeing just $52.3 million to free agents earlier in the winter, the Red Sox’s big-money splash addresses fan frustration over the team’s inactivity and signals their intent to return to contention after missing the postseason since 2021.
Track Record of Excellence
Bregman, who turns 31 on March 30, is coming off a season in which he hit .260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs over 145 games, helping the Astros claim their seventh AL West title in eight years. His second-half resurgence in 2024 played a crucial role in Houston’s success, although the Astros were eliminated by the Tigers in the AL Wild Card Series.
In his career, Bregman has proven to be one of the most consistent hitters in baseball. From 2017 to 2023, he slashed .275/.376/.488 with 157 home runs and 554 RBIs, amassing 34.2 FanGraphs WAR—eighth-most among position players during that span. His postseason experience and leadership solidified him as one of Houston’s cornerstone players during their dominant seven-year stretch, which included two World Series titles and seven ALCS appearances.
Notably, Bregman has excelled at Fenway Park throughout his career. In 21 games, he boasts a .375 batting average with seven home runs, 15 RBIs, and an MLB-best 1.240 OPS (minimum 90 plate appearances). His success at Fenway underscores his fit with the Red Sox lineup.
Competitive Market and Historic Ties
Bregman was heavily pursued by multiple teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs, as well as Houston and Boston. The Tigers offered him a six-year, $171 million deal, while the Astros pitched a six-year, $156 million offer. Ultimately, Boston’s willingness to offer a higher annual salary and flexibility with opt-outs secured the deal.
Interestingly, this signing brings Bregman full circle. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox out of high school in 2012 but chose to attend LSU, where he further developed his skills. Houston selected him second overall in the 2015 draft, launching his MLB career.
Post-Signing Impacts
The Astros will receive a compensatory pick after the fourth round of the 2025 MLB Draft as a result of Bregman rejecting their one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer. Meanwhile, Boston will forfeit its second-highest draft pick and $500,000 in international signing bonus pool money for signing the two-time All-Star.
Bregman, who recently underwent surgery to remove a bone chip from his right elbow, is expected to be fully healthy for the 2025 season. He will join the Red Sox for their first full-squad workout on Monday in Fort Myers, Florida.
The schedule has already set up a reunion with his former team, as the Red Sox will host the Astros from August 1-3 and later visit Houston from August 11-13.
A New Chapter
With Bregman in Boston, the Red Sox not only secure a premier talent but also aim to revitalize their chances in the AL East. His leadership, experience, and consistency make him a key piece in Boston’s plans to return to playoff contention. The move represents a significant turning point for a team looking to reassert itself as a postseason contender.
The deal was first reported by The Athletic. Additional reporting from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Buster Olney, and Alden Gonzalez contributed to this story.
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