Alex Bregman Leaves Astros, Signs With Red Sox For $120M

Alex Bregman is heading to Boston! The former Houston Astros star has signed a massive three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox. This contract, which pays him an impressive $40 million per year, makes him one of the highest-paid players in the game and blew other teams’ offers out of the water by over $10 million annually.

This signing is a big move for Boston. Not only does it add a powerhouse bat to the lineup, but it also signals that the team is serious about getting back into the playoff picture. The deal includes two opt-outs, giving Bregman some control over his future, and it also involves deferred money to help the Sox manage their payroll.

A New Position in a New City

Although Bregman has been a third baseman for most of his career, he’ll be moving to second base for Boston. With Rafael Devers holding down third, Bregman will slide over to the right side of the infield. He’s barely played second in the majors, logging just 32 innings there, but manager Alex Cora isn’t worried. Cora, who coached Bregman in Houston, has high expectations for him, even saying he could become a “Gold Glove second baseman.”

The Red Sox Finally Make a Big Move

Boston’s offseason had been pretty quiet before this signing, which frustrated fans. The team had only spent $52.3 million in free agency, and after missing the playoffs since 2021, people were eager for action. The Red Sox did add some pitching, trading for Garrett Crochet and signing free agents Walker Buehler and Aroldis Chapman, but they needed a big offensive addition. Bregman is that guy.

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Bregman Has Owned Fenway Park

One of the reasons Boston was so eager to sign Bregman? He absolutely rakes at Fenway. In 21 career games there, he’s hit .375 with seven homers and 15 RBIs. His 1.240 OPS at Fenway is the highest of any player in history with at least 90 plate appearances. If he can bring that kind of production over a full season, Red Sox fans are in for a treat.

Boston Beat Out Some Serious Competition

Bregman wasn’t short on suitors. The Tigers, Blue Jays, and Cubs all wanted him, and Detroit even offered a six-year, $171 million deal. Houston also tried to keep him, putting a six-year, $156 million offer on the table. But Bregman chose Boston’s shorter deal with higher annual pay and opt-out flexibility, giving him another shot at a big contract in a few years if he keeps performing.

From Houston to Boston

Bregman’s baseball journey is coming full circle in a way. The Red Sox actually drafted him out of high school in 2012, but he chose to go to LSU instead. Houston then picked him second overall in the 2015 draft, and the rest is history.

He played a crucial role in the Astros’ dominant run, helping them win two World Series titles and reach seven straight AL Championship Series. Of course, the 2017 championship was tainted by the sign-stealing scandal, but Bregman remained one of the faces of the franchise as they continued to win.

Source: Sources: Alex Bregman lands free agent deal with Red Sox

Turning His 2024 Season Around

Bregman had a rough start to last season, but he found his rhythm in June and helped lead the Astros to another AL West title. He finished 2024 with a .260 batting average, 26 homers, and 75 RBIs in 145 games. Unfortunately for Houston, they got bounced in the Wild Card round by the Tigers.

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After the season, Bregman had surgery to remove a bone chip from his elbow, but his agent Scott Boras assured teams it was a minor procedure. He’s expected to be fully healthy for spring training.

Alex Bregman Leaves Astros, Signs with Red Sox for $120M

How This Changes Boston’s Infield

Bregman’s arrival means Boston’s infield is set. Devers stays at third, Bregman moves to second, and the Red Sox get a reliable bat to balance their lineup. However, signing him does come at a cost—Boston loses its second-highest draft pick and $500,000 from its international signing pool. Meanwhile, Houston will get a compensatory pick in the upcoming draft.

What’s Next?

Bregman will report to Red Sox spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, on Monday, where he’ll get his first full-squad workout in with his new team. The baseball world will be watching closely to see how he adapts.

Circle your calendars for August 1-3, when the Red Sox host the Astros. Then, Boston will visit Houston from August 11-13. Those games are sure to be electric as Bregman faces his former squad for the first time.

This signing is a game-changer for Boston. They’re making it clear they’re done sitting on the sidelines. With Bregman in the mix, along with their improved pitching staff, the Red Sox are setting their sights on the postseason. And for Bregman, this is a fresh start in a baseball city that’s ready to embrace him.