Mets previous free agent target Alex Bregman signs massive contract with Red Sox

The top remaining free agent player and former New York Mets target has signed a massive contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Sep 4, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) high fives teammates after scoring on a RBI single hit by outfielder Ben Gamel (not pictured) in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

A former free agent target of the New York Mets and the top remaining free agent on the board has found a new home in the AL East.

As first reported by The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, former Houston Astro Alex Bregman has finally signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox. The three-year deal is for $120 million with player opt-outs after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. 

Bregman was linked to a slew of teams throughout the offseason including the Mets, the New York Yankees, the Detroit Tigers, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Chicago Cubs and Houston. At one point, it even appeared that Bregman would return to Houston but in the end, the Red Sox were willing to pay $10 million more per season than any other suitor. 

Alex Bregman’s three-year, $120 million deal with Boston includes deferred money, sources told ESPN. The $40 million salary is $10 million-plus more per year than others were offering. The Red Sox land the best free agent left on the market. First on the news was @ChandlerRome.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 13, 2025

Before the Mets reunited with first baseman Pete Alonso last week, it was reported that they were interested in signing Bregman. Although the two players are the same age, Alonso offers a lot more power and a much cheaper contract. Alonso agreed to sign a two-year contract worth $54 million with a player opt out after 2025. 

Source: What Mets Offered Pete Alonso Before Reaching 2-Year Agreement

The addition of Bregman puts the Red Sox in a positional pinch. The team’s best offensive player Rafael Devers also plays third base so Bregman will likely be switching to a new spot defensively despite winning a Gold Glove at the hot corner last season.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that Bregman is expected to play second base in Boston.

The expectation is Alex Bregman will play second base for Boston, sources tell ESPN. Even though the Red Sox have top prospect Kristian Campbell coming, they saw Bregman having enough of an impact that they offered $40 million a year — with deferrals — to make the deal happen.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 13, 2025

Last season, Bregman led the majors with 103 putouts and led the American League with 242 assists, 23 double plays, and a .972 fielding percentage. Bregman is also durable and has led the American League in games played at third base for three consecutive seasons. 

As for the Mets, the team was happy to reunite with Alonso ahead of the start of Spring Training. Alonso will slot back in at first base with 2024 breakout star Mark Vientos remaining at third base. This was the Mets' preference throughout the entire offense.