The Boston Red Sox could be looking at a very lucrative extension on a new contract for Alex Bregman. Keeping Bregman would mean cuts elsewhere on the roster.
After trading Rafael Devers, the Red Sox have much more financial flexibility when trying to keep Bregman in Boston. An extension would be ideal as it would keep him from hitting the open market and seeing other offers. Bregman has noted he is willing to discuss an extension.
However, an extension will also cost the Red Sox greatly. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Bregman's next deal could reach $200 million.
"The belief here is that with Bregman's great start a deal would likely have to be around $184M (what he offered to sign with the Tigers), or perhaps even $200M," Heyman wrote.
If the Red Sox are going to give Bregman $200 million, every dollar they can save will count. They still have other needs on the roster and will need money to address them as well. FanSided's Zachary Rotman predicted the team would move on from Aroldis Chapman to help keep Bregman around.
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"His performance this season has warranted a lucrative contract that will almost certainly be for multiple years," wrote Rotman. "This bullpen might struggle without Chapman, but is it worth overpaying a reliever who will be 38 years old next season, especially after committing all that money to Bregman? Chances are, the Red Sox will go the cheaper route in the bullpen."
Chapman, 37, was an All-Star this season and will be a free agent next year. He will not be cheap to keep around after his stellar season. He has a 1.18 ERA and 17 saves on the year.
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