Red Sox get brutal decision from Alex Bregman amid $175 million Cubs deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox this offseason have made a few trades, acquiring Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo. But, with a need in the infield, the Red Sox had one clear target.

Re-signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman was high on the Red Sox's list of priorities this winter, and they had a strong offer on the table for the All-Star.

But, as Jeff Passan of ESPN reports, Bregman instead decided to sign with the Chicago Cubs on a $175 million, five-year contract, ditching the Red Sox for the NL Central Cubs. Boston is now in a tough spot, as they have to pivot to other options.

Red Sox get brutal decision from Alex Bregman

Bregman's contract with the Cubs is a five-year, $175 million deal, which pays him $35 million per-year. Combined with no opt-outs and a no-trade clause, the now former Red Sox third baseman has a new home.

This is a brutal update for the Red Sox, as just earlier in the day, there was some hope that a contract might be agreed to this winter.

And now, the Red Sox officially miss out on Bregman this free agency, and will have to pivot to other options to bolster their infield.

Ironically enough, they could wind up targeting Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner in a trade. There is one other clear option, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today notes: it's Toronto Blue Jays free agent Bo Bichette.

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Bregman is off the board, and with a need in the infield, Bichette, the next best available infielder, makes the most sense for the Red Sox.

They've previously shown interest in him, and now, they're likely to return to Bichette's market. The Philadelphia Phillies are strong players for Bichette, and the New York Yankees, amid the Cody Bellinger report, might be pivoting to Bichette as well.

But, regardless of how the Red Sox try to adjust, this update is a brutal one for the Red Sox. They've lost out on their top free agent, and now are left with lesser options this winter.

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