Alex Bregman has signed a lucrative three-year contract worth $120 million with the Boston Red Sox, which could result in the final payment being made as late as 2046.

The agreement, announced on Saturday, stipulates that a $5 million signing bonus will be issued on January 15, 2028, based on the contract specifics that have come to light.

Bregman is set to earn $35 million this year, followed by $40 million for each of the subsequent two years. Importantly, $60 million of his earnings will be deferred, distributed as $20 million annually. These deferred payments are scheduled to be paid by June 15 of each year from 2035 through 2046.

There are also options for Bregman to opt out of the contract after the 2025 and 2026 seasons, granting him the opportunity to re-enter free agency.

The financial breakdown indicates that Boston will owe him $2 million in deferred payments in 2035, $4 million in 2036, and then $6 million annually from 2037 to 2044. The final amounts include $4 million in 2045 and $2 million in 2046.

By structuring the deal with deferred payments, the Red Sox aim to mitigate the impact of Bregman’s contract on the luxury tax calculations imposed by Major League Baseball.

Currently 30 years old, Bregman is a two-time All-Star and has celebrated two World Series championships during his impressive nine-year run with the Houston Astros. He concluded the last season of his previous $100 million, five-year contract with a .260 batting average, 26 home runs, and 75 RBIs, also earning his first Gold Glove award.

As for his role with the Red Sox, it is still uncertain, but playing at second base seems like a strong possibility. Meanwhile, Rafael Devers has been firmly established at third base with the team since 2017.