It wasn't a great final season for Alex Bregman with the Houston Astros last year.
Unfortunately, Bregman just didn't swing the bat at the level he was hoping for during much of the beginning of the season, despite having an excellent second half.
With the Boston Red Sox, outside of his injuries, he's been great, and he’s set himself up well to get paid handsomely.
How much could Red Sox be willing to pay Alex Bregman?
It remains uncertain how much the Red Sox are willing to give him, considering some of their young talent, but Bregman is in a prime position to get paid, even if it comes from another team.
Despite the young talent the Red Sox have, Jackson Roberts of Sports Illustrated believes that Boston will keep around its star third baseman, predicting that Bregman will sign a five-year, $185 million deal.
“This is the big-ticket item for the Red Sox. Some panicked last week when ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that Bregman is expected to opt out of the rest of his three-year deal, but that was always the most likely scenario. Now is the time for the front office to put up or shut up.
“Bregman is essential to this Red Sox team, both in the lineup and as a clubhouse leader. For five years, $185 million, Breslow manages to keep him in town,” he wrote.
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Five years and $185 million for Bregman in this market certainly isn't a bad price.
While he's getting older, the Red Sox understand what he brings to the organization.
Even if he plays well for three years and struggles for the last two due to his age, Bregman is an excellent veteran for the young guys in the organization.