Red Sox, NLCS MVP Jake Bauers agree on four-year contract

Jake Bauers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Red Sox, NLCS MVP Jake Bauers agree on four-year contract

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 13, 2026 1:24 PM ET

Two years ago, first baseman Jake Bauers wasn't sure if he'd ever play baseball again.

Coming off a 2024 season in which he hit .199, Bauers had decided to hang the cleats up and step away from baseball. Plans changed, though, and after an incredible two-year stretch highlighted by Bauers winning NLCS MVP, the 31-year-old agreed to a massive contract on Friday.

Jake Bauers is headed to the Boston Red Sox

According to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, Bauers and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a four-year, $58 million contract.

The deal comes in light of a breakout 2026 season in which Bauers slashed .266/.389/.484, good for an OPS of .874 with 22 doubles, 26 home runs and 86 RBI.

Bauers' addition to the Boston lineup is much needed, as it fell below league average in several offensive categories last season, including slugging percentage (19th) and OPS (19th).

BREAKING: First baseman Jake Bauers and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a four-year, $58 million contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 13, 2026

Jake Bauers and the Red Sox are in agreement on a four-year, $58 million deal, per Jeff Passan. The AL East adds another dangerous bat after Bauers posted a 143 wRC+ and 3.6 fWAR in 2026. pic.twitter.com/Ck01AA4ygP
— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) November 13, 2026

The resurgence of Jake Bauers is an incredible story

What once looked like a career nearing its end has now turned into one of baseball's most remarkable turnarounds.

Bauers earned a life-changing payday and now has a chance to become a key piece of Boston's plans to remain competitive in what is a wide-open American League. He'll likely serve in an every-day role, something that he really hasn't done throughout his entire seven-year MLB career.

If things work out and Bauers has success in Boston, he will one day look back on his decision to keep playing baseball as one of the best he's ever made.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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