The Boston Red Sox won the Alex Bregman sweepstakes in free agency last year, and it paid off in a huge way. Bregman was excellent in Boston and quickly became a fan favorite.
But Bregman opted out of his contract this offseason, and the Red Sox will need to win the same sweepstakes all over again if they want him back.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter recently projected Bregman would sign for $175 million over five years this offseason.
“Alex Bregman was one of the final free agency dominos to fall last winter, with speculation of a return to the Houston Astros or a reunion with manager A.J. Hinch in Detroit swirling before he eventually inked a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox,” Reuter wrote. “It has already been reported that he plans to opt-out of the final two years and $80 million that deal, and while he might not find that same AAV over a long-term contract, something close is not out of the question given his long track record of production and 102 games worth of playoff experience.
“A $35 million AAV would match the figure that Anthony Rendon received from the Angels, and for a player who has piled up 43.1 WAR over 10 seasons in the big leagues, it’s a reasonable ask over a five-year contract.”
This number feels perfect for Bregman.
It gives him close to the same average annual value of his three-year, $120 million deal with Boston, but it secures him in place over five years instead of two more. This would help add security and stability to the backend of his career.
For the Red Sox, it’s definitely a number they can afford. Given the limited number of suitors for such a high-value player, the Red Sox should be considered the favorites to win the sweepstakes again.
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