Red Sox offseason update: Could Bregman be the next big splash? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Red Sox have taken decisive action this offseason to improve their pitching staff through free agency and the trade market, but they have yet to acquire a notable position player.
Could that change in the near future?
The Red Sox “remain interested” in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported Thursday. Feinsand also noted the Tigers’ interest in Bregman, but added that it is “unclear” whether Detroit would be willing to pay for the two-time All-Star.
On Friday morning, the Tigers reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with infielder Gleyber Torres worth up to $15 million. While that move doesn’t necessarily remove Detroit from the Bregman sweepstakes — Torres is expected to play second base for the Tigers, while Bregman has spent most of his career at third base — it seems a little less likely that the Tigers would netting Bregman a major deal after spending $15 million on another infielder in Torres.
With the Houston Astros out of the running to bring back Bregman after signing Christian Walker and trading for Isaac Paredes, Boston could become a frontrunner to sign the 30-year veteran.
Of course, there’s also a complication for the Red Sox on the Bregman front: They would have to either let Bregman play second base or ask All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers to switch positions.
Bregman seems open to playing second base, so that seems like the logical path. But would it be wise for Boston to sign Bregman to a long-term contract with Kristian Campbell — baseball’s No. 10 prospect and the reigning Minor League Baseball Player of the Year — waiting in the wings at second base?
Campbell has positional versatility at shortstop and the outfield, so it’s possible his presence wouldn’t get in the way of signing Bregman. The Red Sox need a right-handed bat to complement left-handed sluggers like Devers and Triston Casas, and Bregman has hit at least 23 home runs in three straight seasons.
He’s also an excellent fielder who just won a Gold Glove Award at third base and has two World Series titles and 99 postseason appearances on his resume. Considering the Red Sox were short on outfielders and veteran leadership last season, Bregman would be a good fit on paper.
Bregman turned down a six-year, $156 million offer to return to Houston, according to Feinsand, so his price tag would be high. But the Red Sox have money to spend, and adding Bregman to an offseason acquisition list that includes Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Patrick Sandoval and Aroldis Chapman could give Boston a major turnaround in 2025.
