MLB Rumor Highlights Major Discrepancy Between Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs Offers and Boston Red Sox’s Winning Bid for Alex Bregman

By Jason Burgos | Updated: February 13, 2025

Recent reports have shed light on the competitive offers presented by the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs to secure star third baseman Alex Bregman. However, both teams fell significantly short of the Boston Red Sox’s successful bid, primarily due to one key factor.

The last high-profile free agent of this MLB offseason has finally found a new home. Heading into free agency, former Houston Astros standout Alex Bregman was considered one of the top available players. However, while many of his peers secured lucrative deals months ago, Bregman remained unsigned, holding out for a substantial contract increase.

Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs Fell Behind in the Bidding War

Several reports suggested that the 30-year-old and his representatives were aiming for a long-term contract in the $200 million range. However, most teams were unwilling to meet that price. As the market narrowed, the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox emerged as the only serious contenders. Ultimately, the Red Sox came out on top.

Though Bregman did not land a deal near the $200 million mark, he secured a three-year, $120 million contract with Boston, earning an impressive $40 million per season. After the signing, new details surfaced regarding the offers from Detroit and Chicago, making it clear why Bregman opted for Boston’s deal.

Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs’ Proposals Did Not Measure Up

According to MLB Network insider Mark Feinsand, “Bregman had offers of 6 years/$171.5 million (with an opt-out after 2026) from the Tigers and 4 years/$120 million (with opt-outs after 2026 and 2027) from the Cubs.” The combination of a higher annual salary and flexible opt-outs in Boston’s offer played a crucial role in his decision.

While the Tigers’ six-year offer was closer to the long-term commitment Bregman initially sought, its annual salary of $28.5 million lagged behind Boston’s $40 million per year. Meanwhile, the Cubs matched the Red Sox in total value but stretched the deal over four years, reducing the average annual value to $30 million.

Although Bregman didn’t secure the long-term contract he was hoping for, his new deal makes him the highest-paid third baseman in MLB history on a per-season basis—a major win for both him and his agent, Scott Boras.