Late on Wednesday night, the Boston Red Sox signed star third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract.
The deal also contains opt-outs after the first and second seasons.
It’s a hefty price for a top talent on both offense and defense.
The Cleveland Guardians happen to employ a top third baseman, arguably the best in the league, at virtually half the price.
Guardians Prospective compared Ramirez and Bregman’s salaries and fWAR outputs.
Of course, the Guards’ underrated slugger came out on top.
“Jose Ramirez over next three years $21MM AAV. Alex Bregman over next three years $40MM AAV. Ramirez fWAR since 2021 = 23.5. Bregman fWAR since 2021 = 16.1. Bregman is now tied with Aaron Judge for the 4th highest salary ($40MM) in MLB for the 2025 season,” he posted on X.
Jose Ramirez over next three years $21MM AAV
Alex Bregman over next three years $40MM AAV
Ramirez fWAR since 2021 = 23.5
Bregman fWAR since 2021 = 16.1
* Bregman is now tied with Aaron Judge for the 4th highest salary ($40MM) in MLB for the 2025 season.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) February 13, 2025
A direct comparison, of course, comes with asterisks.
For example, Ramirez’s was an extension and Bregman negotiated in the open market, which increased the price for obvious reasons.
J-Ram also gave the Guardians a hometown discount because he could have gotten way more.
All things considered, this exercise was made to illustrate how much of a bargain Ramirez is in comparison to other third basemen.
The numbers say he is considerably better than Bergman.
There is a 7.4 fWAR gap between the two in favor of Ramirez m, who is making half as much as Bregman.
Bregman is steady, but Ramirez is capable of flirting with a 40-40 season, winning a Silver Slugger, and providing excellent defense at the hot corner.
The Guardians are getting all that for a salary that is more than fair.
NEXT: Former Guardians Pitcher Pedro Avila Has Joined A New Team
