Third baseman Alex Bregman was the last top free agent remaining on the market. He finally found a home late Wednesday night.
Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that the Boston Red Sox have signed Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract. Bregman will also have an opt-out clause after each season, potentially allowing him to enter the market during the 2025-26 offseason.
The Red Sox’ interest in Bregman is nothing new. They were one of three teams that reportedly had an offer of at least four years on the table for the third baseman. The Red Sox had been linked to Bregman throughout the offseason, with manager Alex Cora having been effusive in his praise of the third baseman.
Bregman adds another potential impact bat to the Red Sox lineup. He put together another solid showing in 2024, shaking off a slow start to post a .260/.315/.453 batting line in his 634 plate appearances, hitting 26 homers and 30 doubles. He should slot in with third baseman Rafael Devers and first baseman Triston Casas to form a formidable trio in the heart of the lineup.
Bregman’s biggest impact may come on the defensive side. The 2024 AL Gold Glove winner at third, he has saved 28 runs at third in his career, including a league leading 12 runs last season. Devers, meanwhile, has cost the Red Sox 80 runs at third over his eight years in the majors and has led the league in errors for the last seven consecutive years.
The Red Sox have been busy this offseason as they look to return to the playoffs. Free agent pitchers Aroldis Chapman and Walker Buehler will improve the pitching staff. Pitcher Garrett Crochet, acquired in a trade with the White Sox, provides the ace that the Red Sox needed. However, the Red Sox needed another piece to improve the lineup. Bregman may be the final piece for a possible run to the postseason.
