With negotiations between the Detroit Tigers and Alex Bregman stalled, a “nine-figure deal” could be on the table with the Boston Red Sox. Less than one month until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the best position player remaining in free agency is still unsigned.
After nine seasons with the Houston Astros, third baseman Alex Bregman declined their six-year extension opting for free agency instead. The 30-year-old infielder drew interest from multiple teams at the start of free agency but is now down to two top contenders, Detroit and Boston. While a handful of teams could rejoin the mix, Bregman is seeking a $200 million deal and has no desire to accept a short-term contract.
Detroit, originally the front-runner to sign Bregman given his relationship with manager A.J. Hinch, is at a standstill. Despite having the flexibility to pay the two-time All-Star, there is a gap in perceived value between the two sides. Even though the Tigers are still actively pursuing Bregman, their stalemate could open the door for the Boston Red Sox.
Tigers Standstill Signals Possible Shift for Star Infielder to Rival Team
Like Detroit, adding a right-handed bat to their lineup is a top priority for Boston this offseason. Bregman, who won his first Gold Glove at third base last season, is interesting, considering Rafael Devers occupies third base. If the Red Sox were to sign him, the soon-to-be 31-year-old would likely fill their void at second base. Manager Alex Cora, who coached Bregman on the 2017 Astros World Series team, told MLB Network that he “always envisioned Alex as a Gold Glove second baseman.” Something he re-emphasized at Fenway Fest, saying Devers is their third baseman, with Bregman playing second if Boston signed him
“Rafael Devers is our third baseman… I always envisioned Alex as a gold glover 2nd baseman.”@ac13alex talks free agent infielder Alex Bregman
@TomCaron | @LouMerloni | #RedSox pic.twitter.com/CSc2ThZEnh
— NESN (@NESN) January 11, 2025
Given Boston’s need for a right-handed bat in their lefty-heavy lineup, On SI’s Patrick McAvoy predicts the Red Sox will be the team to give Bregman a nine-figure deal. Boston’s estimated luxury tax payroll is $210 million for the 2025 season, according to FanGraphs, giving them plenty of room to sign the former Silver Slugger.
“Bregman’s a championship player, teams know it,’’ Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, said. “It’s really a matter of his decision-making and theirs, about how you can close up that gap. There is substantial interest (in long-term) deals.’’
Both Detroit and Boston have a place for Bregman on their roster, and the money, but the question is how much they are willing to spend.
Main Photo Credits: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The post Tigers Standstill Signals Possible Shift for Star Infielder to Rival Team appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.