The ‘Key’ to Alex Bregman Taking $120M Deal With Red Sox: Report
At long last, former Houston Astros infielder Alex Bregman has made a decision in free agency.
The final teams were the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros with the latter as a long shot to retain Bregman.
On Wednesday night, it was reported that Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox, ending months of speculation and rumors regarding the nine-year veteran.
The deal includes opt-outs after each of the next two seasons, per Chandler Rome.
Furthermore, the higher AAV and opt-outs were reportedly the “key” to Bregman signing with the Red Sox, as MLB insider Mark Feinsand reported on Wednesday night.
“Bregman had offers of 6 years/$171.5 million (opt out after 2026) from Detroit, and 4 years/$120 million (opt outs after 2026 & 2027) from the Cubs, per sources. The higher AAV combined with the opt-outs after each of the next two years were the key to him taking the Boston deal,” Feinsand wrote.
So, the Tigers offered Bregman the most money overall, although a six-year, $171.5 million deal equals just over $28 million per season.
The Cubs deal was worth $30 million on average per year, so the Red Sox offered the most per year with opt-outs that were appealing to Bregman.
Now, Bregman is headed for Boston, and the next question is where he plays with Rafael Devers currently slated as the team’s third baseman. However, Bregman going to second is something that is a possibility.
Nonetheless, after a long offseason, the Bregman sweepstakes has finally come to an end.