Cubs Made ‘Significant Exception’ For Alex Bregman Before Red Sox Deal

The Red Sox reportedly won the Alex Bregman sweepstakes, leaving the other suitors figuring out their next steps.

Boston on Wednesday reportedly agreed to a three-year, $120 million deal with the two-time World Series champion. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch understood the business of baseball after it was reported Detroit offered Bregman a six-year, $171.5 million.

The Cubs reportedly offered the 30-year-old a four-year, $120 million contract. Chicago president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer described his team’s pursuit as a “significant exception,” per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. The former Red Sox assistant general manager noted ownership’s commitment to Bregman allowed them to go slightly over budget, but their pursuit failed.

“Ultimately, I feel like we made a strong offer,” Hoyer told reporters, per Marquee Sports Network. “But clearly it wasn’t enough and again, when you’re in free agency, most of the time a player goes to the highest bid. The Red Sox got a great player. They were aggressive and kudos to them, they got a great player. But I’m glad that we were able — given where we are with our budget right now — I’m glad that we were able to pursue it and, like I said, I’m thankful that we were able to.”

The reported Bregman agreement highlighted a successful offseason for the Red Sox. Chicago and Detroit also made additions to boost their respective rosters, but Boston came away with the top prize after months of negotiations.