The Boston Red Sox have made a significant stride forward by securing a deal with free agent Alex Bregman. This bold move includes a three-year, $120 million agreement with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons, as reported by The Athletic's Chandler Rome. This decision marks a departure from the team’s recent conservative approaches, potentially revitalizing the Red Sox's competitive spirit.
This acquisition is a testament to the Red Sox's newfound aggressive strategy under chairman Tom Werner. Adding Bregman bolsters the team’s roster alongside recent pickups like right-hander Walker Buehler, and left-handers Garrett Crochet, Patrick Sandoval, Aroldis Chapman, and Justin Wilson. These strategic moves position the Boston Red Sox as a formidable contender for a wild card spot and a viable threat to the New York Yankees in the AL East.
The plan is for Bregman to play at third base, a position where he recently won a Gold Glove. This shift may lead to Rafael Devers focusing solely as a designated hitter, given his defensive struggles. While there is a possibility that Bregman might opt out after one season, his addition is expected to enhance the Red Sox's defensive infield with Trevor Story at shortstop, Vaughn Grissom or top prospect Kristian Campbell at second, and Triston Casas at first.
Masataka Yoshida, projected as the designated hitter and owed $54 million over the next three seasons, might be traded, potentially absorbing part of his salary. This reflects the occasional high stakes involved in big-market team decisions.
Historically, the Red Sox have maintained a top-five payroll, but recent years have seen them pull back. Their surprise march to the League Championship Series in 2021 was an anomaly amid less impressive finishes in surrounding seasons. Despite offering Juan Soto a lucrative deal this offseason, the Red Sox missed out on top pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.
The signing of Trevor Story in March 2022 remains the team's largest free-agent deal since acquiring left-hander David Price in December 2015. Meanwhile, Rafael Devers and Chris Sale received significant contract extensions, with Devers' move to a designated hitter role casting doubt on the longevity of his deal. The addition of Bregman under Craig Breslow’s leadership could signal a positive change in their decision-making strategy.
Despite some concerning trends in Bregman's recent performance, his .315 on-base percentage last season being the lowest of his career, playing at Fenway Park could rejuvenate his stats. Bregman is also known for his leadership, having positively impacted his teammates at the Houston Astros, a quality that could evoke comparisons to former Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia.
Turning down a substantial offer from the Tigers, Bregman’s current deal with the Red Sox could be reworked if he delivers a standout performance. His selection over Nolan Arenado, despite Arenado being potentially cheaper, emphasizes the Red Sox's focus on Bregman's versatility and potential longer-term benefits.
While Bregman's $40 million annual salary is significantly higher than Arenado's potential cost, the Red Sox have carefully limited their risk by offering a shorter contract. This strategic move comes as the Boston farm system is ranked as the second best by The Athletic's Keith Law, reflecting the team's readiness to compete at a high level.
Dare we say it? The Boston Red Sox are back.
(Top photo: Winslow Townson / Getty Images)
