The Boston Red Sox have made a major move in free agency, signing former Houston Astros infielder Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract.
The deal includes two opt-outs, giving Bregman flexibility while positioning Boston to make a legitimate push for a World Series title.
At 30 years old, Bregman isn’t locked in for the long haul, but he has the potential to be a major game-changer for a Red Sox team that has struggled in recent years.
Boston has missed the playoffs in five of the last six seasons, including three straight, but this move signals an intent to return to contention in 2025.
It would be an understatement to say that Red Sox fans were beginning to lose patience with owner John Henry who has become increasingly cheap over the years.
However, signing Bregman to this significant contract may finally signal a change in philosophy. (Or perhaps Henry is just trying to toss the fans a bone.)
While Bregman played third base for the Astros, many assumed his arrival would shift Red Sox star Rafael Devers to designated hitter.
However, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Instead, reports suggest Bregman will play second base in 2025, allowing Devers to remain at third.
News of the signing has already shifted betting odds for the Red Sox.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Boston’s World Series odds improved from +2700 to +2400, tying them with the Texas Rangers for the eighth-best odds in Major League Baseball.
However, there are some fans who think the Bregman addition makes the Red Sox the favorites to win it all…
The Red Sox have not posted a winning season since their 2021 ALCS run, finishing with 78, 78, and 81 wins over the last three years.
With the expanded Wild Card format, Boston has a realistic shot at returning to the postseason, especially with Bregman now anchoring the lineup.
Bregman is coming off a solid 2024 season, posting a .260 batting average, .315 on-base percentage, and .453 slugging percentage.
He hit 26 home runs, drove in 75 runs, and scored 79 times, showing he remains an offensive force.
Interestingly, this is something of a homecoming opportunity for Bregman.
Though he never played for Boston, the Red Sox originally drafted him in the 29th round out of high school in 2012. Instead, he chose to attend LSU, later becoming the No. 2 overall pick by Houston in 2015.
Now, more than a decade later, Bregman will finally wear a Red Sox uniform, hoping to help Boston climb back to the top of the AL East and beyond.
What are your thoughts on the Bregman signing? … Do you now view the Sox as legitimate World Series contenders???
