The Chicago Cubs’ president, Jed Hoyer, is all over the news right now! Failing to sign the All-Star, Alex Bregman led to questioning the money availability for Bregman, to which Jed Hoyer made a surprising statement. As pointed out by the Cubs’ sports analyst, Michael Cerami, Hoyer’s attitude has been quite surprising given that the Cubs were not differing money on any contract. Does that make sense?

Before moving on to further discussions, let’s have a look at what happened in the offseason, where Alex Bregman, one of the coveted free agents in the market, did not sign a deal. While the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs turned out to be the major contenders, the Boston Red Sox made an offer that was beyond the Cubs’ reach, ultimately him signing with the Red Sox. 

Jed Hoyer talks about the budget limitations and deferrals

Right after missing out on Alex Bregman, who joined hands with the Boston Red Sox on a three-year, $120 million deal, the Cubs’ president, Jed Hoyer, spills the beans, confirming the strong offer they placed on Bregman’s table. However, the Red Sox finally signed him, which involved deferrals, reducing the value largely, although higher than the Cubs’ offer. In response to the Cubs not deferring any money for the contract, although doing it for Jason Heyward and Jon Lester, Cubs’ analyst Michael Cerami shared on X, “This is such a weird stance. Deferrals are pro-team; they literally lower the amount you’re paying. So you’d rather just… pay more, sooner? I don’t really get it.”

Cerami pointed out that deferrals often help to lower the amount that needs to be paid, questioning the need to pay more as soon as possible. He even mentioned about the Chicago Cubs paying John Lester and Jason Heyward but not going for deferrals in the case of Bregman, which seemed a little surprising too. Seems something fishy?

Well, even with the deferrals to lower the net present value for Alex Bregman’s deal, as stated by Hoyer, it was in the range of $90 to $100 million, which wasn’t enough to compete with the offer put on Bregman’s table by the Red Sox—$120 million. In addition to this, Cubs’ owner Tom Ricketts seemed to lack the desired capital required to make the Bregman deal successful, which ultimately led to the Red Sox getting their prized asset. 

The Red Sox got what they wanted

Although the Chicago Cubs offered Alex Bregman a four-year, $120 million deal, the Boston Red Sox offered him the same amount in one year less with an added option to opt out after each season, which Bregman couldn’t just refuse. Bregman would be a great complement to Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, and Triston Casas, to mention a few, as the Red Sox needed a right-handed batter in their left-handed heavy lineup. However, that’s not all!

Alex Bregman had a good 2024 season, where he averaged .260 with 75 RBIs,.768 OPS, and scored 26 home runs. Also, Bregman has the flexibility to move on to the second base, if required. However, in case he wants to play at the third base, Rafael Devers may need to move to the second base. Moreover, Bregman had an astounding record at Fenway Park, where he slashed .311/.458/.660, which would not only balance the Red Sox’s lineup but would also improve their performance in the upcoming seasons. 

What do you think of Jed Hoyer’s weird stance on the deferrals and Alex Bregman signing? Do let us know in the comment section below.