Former Houston Astros infielder Alex Bregman has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. The deal includes an opt-out clause after each of the first two years, giving Bregman the option to test the market again and attempt to earn the long-term contract he had been searching for. Bregman, who will turn 31 in March, is coming off a down year at the plate, slashing .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs in 2024. Despite this, he remains one of the most productive third basemen in the sport, having compiled the sixth-most WAR at the position since 2020. The signing addresses a significant need for the Red Sox, who were seeking a right-handed bat to balance out their lefty-heavy lineup. Bregman's addition is expected to improve the team's infield defense, which led the Majors in errors last season. Bregman had received interest from several teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs, but chose the higher average annual deal with Boston. The Red Sox's offer was more lucrative on a yearly basis, with a $40 million annual salary, compared to the Tigers' six-year, $171.5 million offer and the Cubs' four-year, $120 million offer. The deal also includes deferred money and will see the Red Sox lose their second-highest pick in the upcoming MLB draft, as well as $500,000 of international signing bonus pool allocation, due to Bregman rejecting a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Astros. Bregman is expected to play second base for the Red Sox, allowing him to stay in the infield alongside star third baseman Rafael Devers. Despite having primarily played third base since 2020, Bregman has shown willingness to move to second base if needed, and manager Alex Cora has expressed confidence in his ability to excel at the position. The signing marks a significant investment by the Red Sox, who had guaranteed only $52.3 million to free agents this winter, leading to frustration from their fan base. The addition of Bregman, along with recent signings of Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Aroldis Chapman, signals a renewed commitment to competing at the highest level.

Overall, the signing of Alex Bregman represents a major coup for the Boston Red Sox, addressing a key need and bolstering their lineup and infield defense. The deal's structure, with opt-outs after each of the first two years, gives Bregman the flexibility to test the market again and potentially earn a longer-term contract in the future.