I agree that is a possibility, but it is not yet the situation. The Framber issue was more about the year of his entry into the Astros system in 2015 (the same year as Tucker and Bregman). FWIW, the point was that for the last decade, the Astros farm system has been quite a bit better at generating fourth and fifth outfielders as opposed to plus-level (at the very least, Bregman-level) ballplayers.
It’s not extremely favorable- that’s the point. It might work out for him or it might not. No- I wouldn’t have been in the business of Alex Bregman taking up 15% of my cap. I’d have gone the other way and offered him 10/200- if I was even going to bother making an offer.
And he would have likely rejected that deal without more $/year (or favorable opt-outs). Its basically a win-win right now given that the Astros don't have these sort of contract offers out there ever. And most of us here were way off on saying Bregman wouldn't get more $/year than what the Astros were offering, let alone bending over player-friendly concessions.
You don't hear Bobby Grich's name come up much anymore. This is interesting to me. Guess the WAR for these two seasons, Both Jose Altuve & Bobby Grich's highest? Runs H HR RBI SB CS AVG/OBP/OPS 112 204 24 81 32 6 .346/.410/.957 82 . 146 12. 50 17 9 .251/.373/.760 The season on bottom is the higher WAR (8.3) The season on top is the lower WAR (7.7)
But Bregman thinks he CAN AND WILL be a legend in Boston. If he ends up having 1 or 2 great years and 6-8 total good years bringing a couple of WS championships during that time he can be a Red Sox legend. That's his mindset. And being a legend in Boston is better than being a legend in Houston, big picture MLB legacy. Coping has nothing to do with it.
I would think he probably would have rejected it. You could make the argument that he shouldn’t have because looking at this go round it’s unlikely he ever gets to 200M in non deferred money, but yeah- I think it would have been rejected. I don’t think anyone here (that’s smart) didn’t know he could do better than 26M a year on a short term offer. I think most thought he could get 30 a year on a 3 or 4 year deal, which is exactly the PDV of what he got- so no surprise from where I’m sitting.
Deferrals got him the opt outs. Astros dont do those. I’d take the flexibility plus superior money every time.
Ok. I will take guaranteed money when I’m seemingly well into my decline. You might be right. I’m not at all saying it won’t play out that way. But you are ignoring the fact that I make an incredibly plausible argument and might be right, which is why I maintain it’s lunacy to say that’s a clearly smarter deal he signed or more likely to lead to more money. Which goes back to my main point- him leaving the Astros doesn’t seem like it’s about the money.
I think the money was nearly a neutral factor between Boston and Houston in Bregs mind, although if he has a healthy confidence in his ability to mash in Boston, he probably thinks Boston short term deal will pan out better. I think in his heart of hearts, he wanted to play in a baseball mecca and to do it while he had gas in the tank, and not as a veteran just hanging on. I don’t begrudge him for that (although I wish it were otherwise). He is a baseball rat and I’m sure there is a special thrill to play in Fenway. And it doesn’t hurt that he will probably mash there.
I’m just pointing out what will be more conducive to getting a player to sign FA deals… the $/year and the flexibility of opt-outs will trump a $20 million AAV 10 times out of 10. Most non-pitching baseball players aren’t worried about the career threatening injury day-in/day-out. Bregman would have gladly taken a 6 year deal at $30/per, but there was never one on the table. Nook already said he expected to stay in Houston, but the money isn’t as close as you’re trying to make it out to be (even with the deferrals). And nobody is staying in Hosuton for a discount… in any league.
Boston is a historic city, with a historic hitter friendly ballpark, and they're paying him $40 mil/year. Even if he only played those 3 years he's still making $120 mil. Knowing Bregs, he'll battle through each year and turn it on in the playoffs- that's just what he does. He went with the best deal for him and his family (regardless of if it equals to $156/6 down the line or not).
If the Yankees fans didn't boo him before he sure as hell is getting booed even more. He now will have played for the 2 teams Yankees fans hate the most. I know I'm being petty but I don't wish him well. I know I'm more hurt cause it sucks to lose another Astros Legend.
You are right. This is a reasonable deal for him and the club. The Astros had their budget and you can respect how Crane operates the team.
Random, but how do you have only 22 likes in 25 years of posting? Lol. I'll give you a like. Enjoy. Your 23rd now.
He wouldn't be THE MAN in Boston - that's Rafael Devers, who Bregman is moving to 2B to accommodate even though Breggy's a superior fielder. And I'm not sure he's better than Duran or Casas. I'd trade Bregman for either, personally - in a heartbeat. I think Bregman likely preferred one of the blue blood franchises - but he's into his 30s, has two rings, four pennants and nearly 100 postseason games... I am not by any means suggesting he's going to be content skipping October - but I really think money was driving this.
Not everyone is a Jose Ramirez. This was a great deal for Bregman... financially and with flexibility.
