But they signed the highest AAV pitcher since Price last season!!!
30 pitchers signed for higher AAV's since 2020 than Walker Buehler, none by the Sox and many of whom should have been signed by the Sox.
They said they wanted to focus on defense this offseason. Why would they upfront sign Alonso? If they signed Alonso and Suarez, the IF defense would be a nightmare, especially with Story's regression.
That's ignoring how horrible Alonso's glove is and how good Bregman's glove is. Alonso is probably set to be a DH in 2-3 years. Bregman can stay at 3b for the full term of his deal, which is why he's going to be paid more.
It's the point in the offseason where it's almost "best player available."
They can still bring in a premium player at another position and grab a stopgap for 3b (like Arenado).
Per AJ Pierzyski, Breggie was frustrated the Sox didn't meet his market after their initial offer. Breggie went back to them with the higher offer from the Cubs and the Sox didn't believe it existed. Refused to bring their offer up as it would be bidding against themselves.
That is not true. A lot of accountants die in their chairs. Many public firms can't get their partners to retire and churning those spots to younger senior managers.
Cubs offer was more money sooner and with a no trade clause. Sox just didn't really come close enough. Breggie had the Sox offer in hand for a long time and wasn't happy with it. The second he got the offer from the Cubs he signed.