Last offseason, the Red Sox and Alex Bregman inked a three-year deal worth $40 million per year. Opting for his club option, now that Breggy has hit free agency, according to CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson, he is projected to land a six-year, $192 million contract. That’s about $32 million annually. Even though the number is lower, the deal’s length may concern the Red Sox.

Bregman’s 31 now, and committing to six years could feel like a big gamble for Boston. Still, hitting .273 doesn’t just happen by luck. But amid all the back-and-forth, the Red Sox might have just found a more affordable option. Eugenio Suarez.

“At 31, the Red Sox might be wary of making a six-year commitment to Bregman, which is what it may take to keep him around… So the question for Boston becomes, who replaces him at third base? And the quick-and-dirty answer from the Boston Herald’s perspective is that, if the Red Sox go to free agency to fill the void, slugger Eugenio Suarez would be the man,” Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney reports.

Spotrac projected a two-year, $30 million deal, and The Athletic went with a three-year, $69 million deal for Suarez.

Sure, Suarez isn’t exactly a one-to-one replacement for Alex Bregman, but he could still be a strong alternative.

Coming off a season where he crushed 49 HRs and 118 RBIs, his right-handed power is definitely appealing, something the Red Sox desperately need. The defense may downgrade, though, with Suarez scoring -4 FRV this year and Bregman with +3 FRV. Still, Suarez could be slotted at third base and Mayer at second. That setup might actually be an overall defensive upgrade compared to what Boston had with Devers.

Notably, power has been the Red Sox’s biggest weakness this year. They finished the season ranked ninth in slugging and only 15th in home runs, which clearly shows the need for more muscle in the order.

Suarez could help close that gap with his .824 OPS. And all that while keeping it low-cost. Signing this $66M righty might be a smart move for the Red Sox.

Contention for Bregman is getting hotter

While the Red Sox fans are still hoping to see Alex Bregman back in Boston, it would be difficult to beat the competition. Take any top team in MLB, and they are pursuing Bregman.

The team that is racing ahead is the Cubs.

With Kyle Tucker hitting free agency, they need to find someone to replace his offensive production. Bregman would be a great fit at third base. The Cubs struggled last season in offense, with their 3B Matt Shaw scoring 11 HRs with a .690 OPS. Plus, Bregman would come at far less price than Tucker.

Then there’s Toronto. The Blue Jays handed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a massive $500 million extension, and with Bo Bichette hitting free agency, they might soon be looking for another reliable bat. A-Breg could be that guy. With their 3B, Addison Barger, rumored to part ways, adding Bregman would instantly boost their lineup.

The clock is ticking for Boston. We remember how they pulled off a surprise move to land Bregman last offseason. But if they hesitate this time, they could easily see him slip out of their reach.