The Boston Red Sox won the Alex Bregman sweepstakes, but not before a hard charge from the Chicago Cubs.
In a New York Post piece published Monday, MLB insider Jon Heyman offered insight into the Cubs and their failed pursuit of Bregman.
"The Cubs look much improved, with a bolstered bullpen thanks to the acquisitions of Ryan Pressly, Ryan Brasier, Eli Morgan, Cody Poteet, and Caleb Thielbar, and of course the new marquee man, outfielder Kyle Tucker," Heyman wrote. "But the acquisition they really wanted to make was star third baseman Alex Bregman, who would have given them the game's best defensive infield and made them clear division favorites."
Heyman added: "The Cubs and Red Sox apparently were Bregman's preferred destinations, but Chicago's best offer of $115 million over four years couldn't touch winning Boston's $120M over three, even with significant deferrals in the Red Sox deal."
Bregman should be a major contributor for the Red Sox this season, but his primary position remains uncertain.
Initial reports indicated he'd play second base, but Boston seemingly wants him to play third base - much to the dismay of franchise slugger Rafael Devers. Speaking of Devers, he still hadn't played in a spring training game as of this writing, potentially putting his status for opening day in doubt.
The Red Sox will begin their season on March 27 when they visit the Texas Rangers.
