Alex Bregman, the standout third baseman who famously wore a Star of David on his cap after the Oct. 7 attacks, reportedly signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, making him the highest-paid Jewish baseball player in history.
This contract marks the end of Bregman’s time with the Houston Astros, where he spent nine seasons, earned two All-Star selections, won a Gold Glove, and played a pivotal role in the franchise’s first two World Series championships. In 2019, Bregman came close to winning the American League MVP after hitting 41 home runs.
Bregman, 30, grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he celebrated his bar mitzvah and had a dog named Koufax, reflecting his connection to his Jewish heritage. Throughout his career, he has embraced his Jewish identity by lighting Hanukkah candles at a Houston synagogue, speaking at Jewish charity events, and expressing interest in playing for Team Israel in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
A few days after the October 2023 attacks, Bregman chalked a Jewish star above the bill of his cap before a playoff game, later hitting a home run in that same game. His postseason performance has been stellar, as he ranks among the top players in playoff history, with 19 home runs, tied for sixth all-time.
The Red Sox have a strong tradition of Jewish players, including Kevin Youkilis, who helped the team break its World Series curse, as well as Jewish general managers Theo Epstein and Chaim Bloom. However, the franchise hasn’t had a Jewish player since 2023, when Richard Bleier pitched in 27 games.
While Bregman holds the highest annual salary among Jewish players, pitcher Max Fried signed a larger contract, securing an eight-year, $218 million deal with the New York Yankees in December. Bregman’s deal includes an option to opt out after each season, giving him flexibility to pursue a more lucrative contract in the future.
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