The Cubs lost the battle for Alex Bregman because the Red Sox decided it was okay to outbid the nearest team by more than $10 million in AAV. That’s a big win for the third baseman and a gigantic win for Scott Boras. According to reports, Bregman received final offers from the Astros (six years at $26 million AAV), Tigers (6/$28.58M), Cubs (4/$28.75M), and Red Sox (3/$40). Chicago wouldn’t have been a finalist had Jed Hoyer signed Ru014dki Sasaki or Tanner Scott.
Bregman’s decision leaves Matt Shaw as Chicago’s top third baseman, with Gage Workman, Vidal Bruján, and Jon Berti providing competition.