Red Sox Agree to $58M Deal With Jake Bauers

The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a four-year, $58 million contract with first baseman Jake Bauers, making an early move to bolster an offense that struggled last season. Bauers is coming off a breakout 2026 season with the World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .266 with 26 home runs, 86 RBIs and a .389 on-base percentage in 144 games. He was named NLCS MVP after pivotal postseason at-bats helped Milwaukee capture its first World Series title. A left-handed hitter who can also play the corner outfield, Bauers offers lineup flexibility, though his signing raises questions about how Boston will divide playing time with incumbent first baseman Willson Contreras and others. Because Bauers received a qualifying offer, Milwaukee will receive draft-pick compensation.