REPORT: Red Sox to Lose $200 Million All-Star Slugger to Astros
Free agent third baseman is the top position player still available this offseason, with the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers emerging as potential landing spots. The Houston Astros, where Bregman spent the first nine years of his career, reportedly aren’t pursuing a reunion, leaving the door open for other teams. According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, connections to former Astros staff members could make the Tigers and Red Sox favorites. Detroit’s manager A.J. Hinch and Boston’s manager Alex Cora both worked with Bregman during his time in Houston.
Bregman brings extensive postseason experience to the table, having appeared in 99 playoff games with a .789 OPS, 19 home runs, and 54 RBI. He is a two-time World Series champion and one of the most reliable bats available. Both the Red Sox and Tigers would benefit from his offensive and defensive capabilities as they aim to bolster their rosters for playoff contention.
Yardbarker’s Colin Cerniglia predicts that the Tigers may have the edge, citing a potential reunion with Hinch. Meanwhile, Bregman’s market value is estimated by Spotrac at four years and $119 million. However, his agent, Scott Boras, is reportedly seeking a much larger contract, with Bregman’s camp aiming for a $200 million guarantee, according to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart.
The sweepstakes for Bregman remain heated, as both teams seek to add the proven slugger to their lineups.