Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star third baseman, has officially signed a three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, following a five-month period of speculation regarding his next move. The contract, reportedly valued at $120 million, makes Bregman one of the highest-paid players in Major League Baseball, with an annual average of $40 million.
Bregman recently concluded a successful season with the Houston Astros, where he earned his first Gold Glove Award in 2024. Over the last three years, he has posted a batting average of .262, on-base percentage of .350, and slugging percentage of .444. In his most recent season, he hit 26 home runs—the highest number since his 41 homers back in 2019—and driven in 75 runs. However, he faced challenges, recording a career-low on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .768 largely due to a decrease in walks, with only 44 in the entire season.
Before finalizing his deal with the Red Sox, Bregman reportedly turned down a lucrative six-year contract worth $156 million from the Astros. Speculation had swirled about his potential landing spots, including the Detroit Tigers, where he could reunite with his former manager, A.J. Hinch. However, those discussions did not materialize.
Bregman was selected as the second overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Astros and has been an integral part of their success. He played a vital role in the team winning two World Series titles, including the controversial 2017 championship, which has faced scrutiny due to a sign-stealing scandal. Despite this, Bregman has continued to be a significant contributor to the franchise, helping lead them to seven consecutive American League Championship Series, just one shy of the all-time record previously held by the 1990s Atlanta Braves.
The signing of Bregman adds significant talent to the Red Sox. Team manager Alex Cora, who was the Astros’ bench coach during their 2017 season, will now work closely with Bregman again. The Red Sox had a mixed performance last season, finishing with a .500 record of 81-81. In addition to bringing Bregman on board, they have recently strengthened their pitching staff with the addition of Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler, as well as strengthening their bullpen with Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson.
With Bregman joining the Red Sox, expectations are likely to rise. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this high-profile acquisition impacts the team’s performance in the upcoming season. Known for his elite bat-to-ball skills and impressive defense, Bregman has retained the respect of many in the sport, even as he continues to adapt his game.
As Bregman steps into this new chapter, he has a chance to make a fresh impact in Boston. His ability to opt out after each season adds an interesting layer to his contract, allowing him the flexibility to reassess his options following the upcoming seasons. While some may argue that he is not the MVP-caliber player he once was—highlighted by his league-leading 8.9 WAR in 2019—Bregman’s experience and talent on the field promise to be an asset for the Red Sox as they aim to improve their standing in the highly competitive American League.
As the baseball world awaits the 2025 season, fans are eager to see how the Red Sox will perform with their newly fortified roster, led by one of the game’s well-regarded talents in Alex Bregman. The excitement surrounding this talent acquisition illustrates the ever-changing landscape of Major League Baseball and the constant pursuit of improvement by teams aiming for success.