Former LSU and Houston Astros Star Signs With Boston

While not the biggest free agent signing of the Major League Baseball offseason, it was definitely the last big splash. As a former LSU Tiger superstar leaves the team where he got his first World Series Championship* (*the team cheated that season).

Alex Bregman is on his way out of Houston, and will be heading to Boston after signing a free agent deal. Bregman leaves the Astros for a 3-year, $120 million contract from the Boston Red Sox.

Bregman was drafted by Houston in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft, after leading the LSU Tigers to an SEC Championship, and appearance in the College World Series. At the time, Bregman was the highest selected LSU Tiger position player in MLB Draft history, behind only pitcher Ben McDonald (first overall pick in 1989) as the highest drafted Tiger overall.

Once in the Houston organization, Bregman didn't take long to reach the majors. He was drafted in 2015, and was already playing major league games in 2016. He became a fulltime part of the club by 2017, and was leading the league in doubles and playing in the All Star game by 2018. 

Bregman spent 9 years in Houston, but was ready to leave after the 2024 season.

Going into the offseason, Bregman was one of the top free agents available. While he wasn't the most sought-after player on the market, teams were still ready to spend a lot of money to make him a part of their franchise. One of those teams actually had their eye on Bregman before.

When Bregman was wrapping up his high school career in New Mexico, the Boston Red Sox actually drafted him in the 29th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. But Bregman decided to go to LSU instead of jumping into the Red Sox organization.

That was a smart move then, and it looks like its still paying off today. Because the Red Sox are finally getting Bregman, but now they're going to have to pay him an average annual salary value of $40 million.