The Best Moves the Red Sox Could Make if Bregman Leaves
The Boston Red Sox are facing a big offseason question: what happens if Alex Bregman decides his future lies somewhere other than Fenway Park? After opting out of his contract, Bregman’s return is uncertain, and the rumor mill is in overdrive. Some insiders believe Boston will bring him back, while others think he’s headed to Detroit, where the Tigers are just a few key pieces away from contending. One thing is clear: if Bregman walks, the Red Sox have a lot of work to do to keep their infield steady and their lineup strong.
Looking Inside The Clubhouse
The Red Sox could stay in-house with Marcelo Mayer, the 22-year-old who filled in at third base during Bregman’s injury this past season. Mayer handled himself well defensively, considering he committed only one error in nearly 250 innings and put up a +2 Outs Above Average mark. His bat, though, wasn’t quite there yet. A .228 average and a .674 OPS aren’t enough for a full-time gig in the big leagues. On top of that, injuries have slowed his development and kept him off the field more than Boston would like.
If Trevor Story opts in to his deal, Mayer could slide to second base or even back to shortstop if the team shifts Story around. Boston’s front office loves Mayer’s potential, but giving him an everyday spot might be risky, especially since durability has been an issue.
Testing The Free Agent Waters
The free agent pool isn’t exactly deep, but it does have a few interesting names. Eugenio Suarez, now 34, still has right-handed power and has hit 49 homers across his time with Arizona and Seattle. The downside is that he hasn’t hit above .230 in years, and his defense is a step down from Bregman’s. On the other hand, Japanese star Munetaka Murakami is the flashy option. At just 25, he’s already a two-time Central League MVP and crushed 22 homers in 56 games in Japan this past season. Some scouts think he might fit better at first base or as a designated hitter, but Boston could use his left-handed pop in the lineup.
There are other names floating around, too. Yoan Moncada is familiar to Red Sox fans, though his struggles against lefties and shaky glove make him a questionable fit. Amed Rosario could help balance the lineup if Mayer takes over at third, though he’s not a long-term solution either.
Trade Talk And Outside Shots
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Johnmaxmena2
The trade route might give the Red Sox better options. Nolan Arenado could be available again after another tough year in St. Louis. His numbers dipped to a .237 average with a .666 OPS and only 12 home runs, but his glove is still gold-level. Plus, with two years and $42 million left on his contract, he wouldn’t cost much in a trade. Alec Bohm from Philadelphia could be another short-term fix. He’s consistently hitting around .270 with a solid OPS every year, though his power numbers are modest.
Rebuilding The Dirt
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has a tricky job ahead. He has to rebuild the infield while improving power and defense, two areas where the 2025 team fell short. If Bregman leaves, Boston will likely look to sign at least one impact bat, possibly at first base, where Triston Casas is still trying to stay healthy. Names like Pete Alonso, Josh Naylor, Luis Arraez, and even Kyle Schwarber are floating around as potential targets.
It’s anyone’s guess what Boston’s infield will look like on Opening Day in 2026. The most likely scenario is that Story stays, Bregman moves on, and Mayer becomes a key piece of the puzzle. It might not be perfect, but the Red Sox have money to spend and motivation to prove they can compete without their star third baseman.