BOSTON, MA — The Red Sox are pursuing a reunion with All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, and the strategy is not a bid war—it’s a calculated, “surgical strike” designed to leverage Bregman’s own recent decision.
The four words reportedly defining the Red Sox’s new contract offer to Alex Bregman are:
“HIGHEST AAV, SHORTER TERM.”
This is not a long-term offer designed to secure Bregman for his age 36-38 seasons. Instead, it’s a financial bet on his immediate, prime production, capitalizing on the structure he himself pursued last year.
The Surgical Strategy Explained
Bregman is testing free agency after opting out of the remaining two years and $80 million of his previous three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox (which had an AAV of $40 million). By walking away, he signaled that he prioritizes two things: long-term security or the ability to reset his value with another elite, short-term contract.
The Red Sox’s four-word play is designed to meet the second goal:
- “HIGHEST AAV” (Average Annual Value): Boston knows teams like the Tigers and Cubs are willing to offer longer term deals (5-6 years) but at a lower AAV (likely $28M-$30M). The Red Sox are reportedly willing to offer an AAV in the $34M-$36M range for a shorter duration (3-4 years).
- The Player Advantage: This maximizes Bregman’s annual cash flow, allowing him to set a new, higher baseline for his next contract.
- “SHORTER TERM”: By limiting the guarantee to 3 or 4 years, the Red Sox avoid locking themselves into Bregman’s late-30s. This protects them from the age-related decline that concerns many executives.
- The Team Advantage: It maintains the team’s long-term financial flexibility and keeps the third base position open for top prospect Marcelo Mayer once the short-term deal expires.
This surgical approach forces Bregman to choose between the safety of a long-term guarantee (from a rival) and the immediate financial premium and winning environment offered by the favored incumbent, Boston. Jon Heyman recently reported that the Red Sox remain the “most likely fit” for Bregman among his suitors.
