Alex Bregman is heading to Boston. The Red Sox are signing the two-time World Series champion to a three-year, $120 million contract with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
It’s a significant pivot for Bregman, who turned down Houston’s six-year, $156 million offer earlier this offseason. The 30-year-old third baseman was looking for a more lucrative deal, and while the annual value is higher with Boston, the total guarantee is less.
The move marks the end of an era in Houston. Bregman’s been a cornerstone of the Astros’ dynasty, helping them capture four American League pennants and two World Series titles. Along the way, he picked up two All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger, and a Gold Glove. His final season in Houston was solid – a .260/.315/.453 line with 26 homers and a 4.1 WAR.
The Astros aren’t caught flat-footed here. They’ve already adjusted their infield plans, bringing in Christian Walker and shifting Isaac Paredes to third base after failing to land Nolan Arenado in trade talks. With Bregman’s departure, Jose Altuve stands as the last remaining player from Houston’s 2017 World Series team.
In Boston, things get interesting. The Red Sox finally have the right-handed power bat they’ve been chasing all winter, but there’s a catch – they’ve already got Rafael Devers at third. That means Bregman’s likely sliding over to second base, adding a new wrinkle to his career.
The Astros aren’t exactly hurting here. They’re still favorites in a wide-open AL West, where they’ve won seven of the last eight division titles. But loosing a player of Bregman’s caliber stings, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see them jump back into the trade market – maybe even circling back on Arenado.
