Remember last offseason? When Alex Bregman’s name dominates headlines. For weeks, it felt like the entire baseball world hit pause, waiting to see where the two-time All-Star would land. It was surely a rollercoaster ride with the rumors swirling daily. The Tigers’ fans were practically measuring Bregman for a jersey. But you know the rest. Just when the Tigers seemed to have made the strongest push, it was the Red Sox who stole the spotlight.
Ahh, they stole Bregman himself.
Now, months later, Boston’s front office is basking in the glory of a move that’s already paying dividends. But one question still lingers: why did Bregman walk away from what many insiders say was a significantly better offer from Detroit? Well, finally, the super agent, Scott Boras, who made Bregman’s deal, opened up about what went on behind the scenes.
“He and (his wife) Reagan identified that as a city they enjoyed, but the real element was Alex Bregman knew going in that he sees the ball well there,” Boras said on the latest episode of NESN’s 310 to Left podcast.
So, it wasn’t just about comfort. Bregman was clear-eyed about his goals. He saw in Boston a team ready to compete now. Well, you would have noticed how the team spent big for a roster built to win and breathed postseason dreams. On the other hand, the Tigers, despite their enticing offer, were still in a rebuilding phase, a longer road to contention.
For Bregman, who had already tasted the highs of playoff baseball, the chance to chase a championship in Boston was the ultimate draw. Imagine letting a $171.5 million contract go for a $120 million deal. Now that’s called a championship dream!
Hence, in the end, it wasn’t just about the money or the headlines. It was about finding a place where both his family and his career could thrive. As per Boras, choosing the Red Sox was a decision grounded in heart and ambition. You would agree that sometimes, winning isn’t just about the contract; it’s about the chance to live the dream in a city you love.
And now the bet seems to be paying off well. Bregman is off to the best start of his Major League career. Currently, he’s batting a robust .304 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. Moreover, his early-season performance has been a key factor in the Red Sox’s offense. But will it last longer?
Bregman is reportedly looking for a better deal
Yes, you heard that right. Just at the peak of his career, it is almost certain that Bregman will look for a better deal. Considering the opt-out clause he got, the Red Sox are bracing for a heartbreak.
“Bregman, who is making $40 million this year and signed for two more years at that rate, will likely opt out of his deal,” MLB insider Jim Bowden said.
Well, Bregman is currently in the first year of a deal that pays him $40 million annually through 2027. But speculations are rife that he is widely expected to exercise his opt-out clause after this season. Moreover, given his current form, he is surely aiming for a contract upwards of $200 million.
Reportedly, a few teams are pursuing Bregman. Hence, his free-agent market looks even more robust than last offseason’s, with the Red Sox joined by contenders like the Yankees, Tigers, Astros, Phillies, and even the Dodgers. All teams thus would benefit from an upgrade at the hot corner.
Among these suitors, the Dodgers are considered the frontrunners. Bregman would be an ideal fit at third base for the Dodgers. Considering that Max Muncy is struggling at the plate this season, the team is surely looking for a reliable 3B. Moreover, cash-rich Dodgers might be the first team to offer what Bregman is expecting. Hence, for the Red Sox, offering a better deal is the only option left to retain Alex Bregman.
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