Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros
With the dust finally settling on the Juan Soto sweepstakes, the Boston Red Sox are now looking ahead to the next chapter of their offseason. Having missed out on one of the biggest trade targets of the winter, the Red Sox can now shift their focus to other areas that need addressing—specifically their rotation and lineup. One name reportedly rising to the top of Boston’s wish list is Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman.
According to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Bregman is reportedly a top target for the Red Sox, who are aiming to add both offensive firepower and infield depth. The 30-year-old Bregman, who has been a staple in the Astros’ lineup since 2016, is a two-time All-Star and is coming off a solid 2024 campaign. However, his future with Houston is up in the air as he weighs a lucrative contract offer from his current team.
The Bregman Situation: Contract and Market Value
The Astros have reportedly offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million deal to keep him in Houston for the long haul. However, the infielder is reportedly seeking something closer to $200 million on the open market, which makes him an intriguing (and potentially pricey) option for the Red Sox.
While this number pales in comparison to the jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million contract Juan Soto just signed with the New York Mets, a $200 million deal for Bregman would still be a significant investment for Boston. On top of the financial commitment, the Red Sox would also be required to forfeit a draft pick as a result of Bregman rejecting Houston’s qualifying offer—a cost that only adds to the complexity of the situation.
Bregman’s Impact and Potential Fit in Boston
Bregman’s track record is impressive. In 2018 and 2019, he finished fifth and second in American League MVP voting, respectively, as he posted a combined .291 batting average and a .970 OPS during that span. In those two seasons, Bregman averaged 36 home runs, 44 doubles, 108 RBIs, and 8.4 WAR per year—numbers that would significantly boost the Red Sox lineup.
However, since the 2020 COVID-shortened season, Bregman has experienced some ups and downs. Over the last four years, his numbers have been solid but not elite, as he has hit .262 with a .795 OPS, averaging 22 home runs, 28 doubles, 80 RBIs, and a 3.9 WAR per season. Bregman still showed flashes of his former brilliance in 2024, hitting .260 with 26 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a .768 OPS. His 4.1 WAR in 2024 was impressive, and he earned his first career Gold Glove at third base, which may signal a resurgence in his defensive game.
If Boston were to sign Bregman, it could lead to some interesting positional changes. With Rafael Devers already locked in as the Red Sox’ cornerstone third baseman, Bregman’s arrival could push Devers out of the hot corner. Devers might be asked to transition to first base, which would raise questions about the future of Triston Casas, or perhaps become a full-time designated hitter.
Alternatively, Bregman could make the shift to second base, a position he played in his early years with Houston, though he hasn’t appeared there since 2018. With these potential positional shifts in play, the Red Sox front office would need to be comfortable with the logistics of such a move.
The Competition for Bregman’s Services
Boston isn’t the only team circling Bregman as a potential offseason target. The Astros, of course, are still in the mix to retain their star third baseman. Other teams that could enter the bidding include the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies, who all have the financial flexibility to make a competitive offer. While the Red Sox are clearly interested in Bregman, they will need to consider whether they’re willing to meet his $200 million asking price and whether they are comfortable making such a large financial commitment to a player with some questions surrounding his long-term consistency.
The Verdict: Is Bregman Worth It for Boston?
For the Red Sox, adding a player like Alex Bregman would undoubtedly strengthen their lineup. While his numbers in recent seasons haven’t quite matched his peak years, his ability to produce both offensively and defensively—coupled with his leadership experience on a World Series-winning team—makes him an intriguing option. Still, Boston would need to weigh the steep financial investment and the draft pick they’d have to surrender as part of the process.
If they can come to terms on a deal, Bregman could provide the right-handed bat the Red Sox desperately need, and his versatile glove could help balance their infield. But whether Boston is willing to pay the asking price and whether Bregman can return to his elite form in a new setting remain to be seen. Regardless of where he lands, Bregman is sure to be one of the most sought-after free agents this winter.
As the offseason continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the Red Sox to see how aggressive they will be in the pursuit of their newest star. Stay tuned as the winter meetings approach, and the Bregman sweepstakes heat up.
