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First baseman Jake Bauers agreed to a four-year, $58 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, sources told ESPN. Bauers, 31, was a key figure in the Milwaukee Brewers' postseason and coming off a career season with them, rising from journeyman to one of the top hitters in the majors. ESPN reported that Boston, which ranked 23rd in runs scored this year and was swept in a wild-card series by the New York Yankees, is looking to upgrade its offense and can use Bauers at designated hitter while keeping first baseman Willson Contreras. Bauers, who was named NLCS MVP, hit .266/.389/.484 with a team-high 26 home runs and 86 RBIs this season. Multiple executives had expected him to accept the Brewers' $23.15 million qualifying offer, but he instead signed his first long-term deal, which entitles the Brewers to a compensatory draft pick. Bauers had considered retiring after the Brewers non-tendered him following the 2024 season, and he credited a changed approach at the plate for his breakout.