Mariners watch Astros endure slow burn as Alex Bregman ditches Houston for Red Sox

Mariners fans, rejoice! One of the more polarizing figures in their division, longtime Astros third baseman Alex Bregman, is officially out of the AL West. After months of speculation, the two-time All-Star has reached an agreement with the Boston Red Sox, marking the end of his tenure in Houston.

Seattle initially emerged as an early candidate in the Bregman sweepstakes, but by mid-December, reality hit as fans learned the Mariners would likely be bystanders in the bidding war. Now, with Bregman bound for Boston, Seattle avoids what could have been a significant financial commitment while also watching a division rival lose a key piece of its infield.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Bregman’s deal is a three-year, $120 million contract, featuring opt-outs after both 2025 and 2026, along with deferred money. We recently learned that he rejected an offer to return to Houston, where former teammate Jose Altuve had reportedly offered to shift from his 14-year post at second base to make room for Bregman. Instead, Bregman prioritized short-term security and flexibility, turning down a reported four-year, $120 million offer from the Cubs and a six-year, $171.5 million offer from the Tigers, both with opt-outs after 2026, before ultimately choosing Boston.

Mariners fans ecstatic after Alex Bregman leaves Astros for Red Sox

Critics are already questioning how Bregman will fare away from the hitter-friendly confines of Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park) — more specifically without the notorious Crawford Boxes, a mere 315 feet from home plate in left field and a launching pad for many of his home runs. But while Fenway Park’s Green Monster presents a significantly taller challenge, it still sits just 310 to 315 feet away, offering a desirable trade-off. Red Sox Nation shouldn’t worry, Bregman has thrived at Fenway. In 21 career games there, he’s posted gaudy numbers: a .375 batting average, seven home runs, 15 RBIs, and nine doubles. Sure, some of those cheap home runs in Houston might turn into doubles off the Monster, but that’s a trade any hitter would gladly take. 

At 30 years old, Bregman brings veteran leadership to a Red Sox team that has been searching for stability. However, he won’t be playing his usual spot at third base. Instead, Boston plans to slot him in at second base, a position he has played just nine times in his nine-year career. While it may take some adjusting, Bregman’s athleticism and strong defensive instincts should make for a smooth transition.

For Seattle, Bregman’s move eastward removes a familiar obstacle in their divisional race. His departure from Houston weakens a perennial AL West powerhouse, potentially giving the Mariners a clearer path to solidifying their standing in the division. For now, Mariners fans can take solace in knowing they won’t have to see Bregman in an Astros uniform come 2025. But no matter what jersey he wears, the boisterous chorus of boo-birds at T-Mobile Park will sound just as loud.