The Boston Red Sox came out on top of the bidding war for Alex Bregman, outbidding multi-year offers from the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs for the All-Star infielder. While Bregman is a massive addition to the Red Sox lineup, it also came at a staggering cost.

Bregman ultimately chose between the Tigers, Red Sox and Cubs. Detroit reportedly offered a six-year contract worth $171.5 million total, including a player option following the 2026 season. Meanwhile, Chicago maxed out their offer at $120 million over four years with opt-outs in 2026 and ’27. Boston’s contract offers easily surpassed both.

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• Alex Bregman stats (ESPN): .260/.315/.453, .768 OPS, 26 home runs, 75 RBI

Despite MLB rumors in early February that Bregman only wanted a long-term deal, he signed a three-year contract worth $120 million with the Red Sox. The $40 million average annual value of the deal blew past the AAVs offered by the Cubs ($30 million per season) and Tigers ($28.58 million per season) while also providing Bregman the chance to exercise a player option following the 2025 season. If Bregman stays in Boston for the entirety of the three-year deal, half of the money won’t be paid out for several years.

ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney reported on Thursday that Bregman’s contract with the Red Sox included “significant” deferrals, resulting in the deal landing in the range of $90 million paid out in the first three years. On Saturday, USA Today‘s senior MLB reporter Bob Nightengale reported that $20 million of the annual $40 million annual salary on Bregman’s contract will be deferred.

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The Red Sox payroll will still have Bregman’s $40 million allotted salary on the books for the 2025 season, but the actual money doesn’t have to be paid out until after the contract expires. While it doesn’t necessarily mean Boston could make another move during the spring to strengthen the bullpen, there is more financial flexibility in 2025 if the club wants to make an addition later.

As for Bregman, he gets the best of both worlds with the deal. Entering his age-31 season, even completing the deal with Boston would still give him a chance to hit MLB free agency again before he turns 34 years old. As for the previous reports that he wanted a long-term deal for financial security, the deferred money provides that for him.

It’s a risky long-term bet for the Red Sox, but reports earlier this week indicated that manager Alex Cora was pushing hard for the club to add Bregman. The reigning Gold Glove Award winner will hit in the middle of the Red Sox lineup and take over at second base this season. He could also move back to third base when Kristian Campbell is ready to be called up to the majors and if the club can trade Masataka Yoshida, which would open up the designated hitter spot for Rafael Devers.

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