The Boston Red Sox are facing a pivotal offseason decision, and it all starts at third base. After Alex Bregman opted out of his contract following a strong-though injury-interrupted-season in Boston, the Sox are weighing their options. Re-signing Bregman remains a priority, but with free agency wide open and other teams likely circling, the front office is preparing for the possibility that he could land elsewhere.

Bregman, a two-time World Series champion and three-time All-Star, came to Boston on a three-year, $120 million deal with opt-outs after each season. He brought instant credibility to the lineup and the clubhouse, stepping in as the everyday third baseman and pushing Rafael Devers into a designated hitter role before Devers was eventually dealt to the San Francisco Giants. Even though Bregman missed time on the injured list, his presence helped stabilize a young roster and guide the Red Sox back to the postseason for the first time since 2021.

But after a quick exit at the hands of the Yankees in the Wild Card Series, Bregman chose to test the market again. The Red Sox are still very much in the mix to bring him back, and there’s mutual interest, but the reality is simple: if another club offers a better deal, Boston could be left looking for a new third baseman.

So, who could be next in line if Bregman doesn’t return? Let’s break down three of the top candidates the Red Sox are reportedly eyeing.

1. Munetaka Murakami – The High-Ceiling Wild Card

If you’re looking for upside, Murakami brings it in spades. At just 25 years old, the left-handed slugger is already a four-time NPB All-Star and won the Triple Crown in 2022.

That same year, he launched 56 home runs-yes, 56-and has amassed 246 homers in 892 games with the Yakult Swallows. That translates to roughly 45 bombs over a full MLB season.

The power is real, and so is the intrigue.

Murakami is one of the most coveted international free agents this winter after being officially posted by the Swallows. His youth, offensive upside, and already extensive professional experience make him a tantalizing option for any team in need of a middle-of-the-order bat.

But there’s a flip side. While his defense is serviceable, his bat comes with some red flags-especially when it comes to swing-and-miss concerns.

Over the last three seasons in Japan, Murakami has struck out nearly 29% of the time, and he’s had serious trouble with high velocity. This past season, he whiffed on 41.7% of fastballs thrown at 93 mph or higher.

That’s a number that’s hard to ignore, especially considering the velocity-heavy nature of MLB pitching.

Still, if the Red Sox are willing to bet on development and upside, Murakami could be a franchise-altering addition.

2. Kazuma Okamoto – The Balanced Bat

While Murakami may be grabbing the headlines, Kazuma Okamoto brings a different kind of appeal-steady, balanced, and battle-tested. At 29, Okamoto has spent 11 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in the NPB and has quietly built a reputation as one of the league’s most disciplined and consistent hitters.

This past season, Okamoto posted identical walk and strikeout rates at 11.3%-a rare feat in any league. He’s also shown consistent power, averaging just over 33 home runs per season from 2018 to 2024. His bat-to-ball skills have sharpened with age, and his offensive game would likely translate well to MLB pitching.

For the Red Sox, Okamoto would be a strong fit in the middle of the lineup. But he’s not without limitations.

Defensively, he’s below average at third base and likely headed for a future at first. The good news?

He’s already logged time there, so the transition wouldn’t be a stretch. The bigger concern is durability-he was limited to just 69 games this past year due to injury.

Still, if Boston is looking for a polished bat with a mature approach at the plate, Okamoto is a name to watch.

3. Eugenio Suárez – The Proven Veteran

If the Red Sox want to go the proven MLB route, Eugenio Suárez could be the answer. The 34-year-old has been a mainstay at third base for over a decade, with stops in Detroit, Cincinnati, Seattle, and Arizona. He’s a two-time All-Star and has racked up 325 career home runs, including a resurgent 49-homer campaign this past season split between the Diamondbacks and Mariners.

Suárez brings durability and power-two traits that are hard to find in one package. He’s played at least 150 games every year since turning 30, and he’s still capable of changing a game with one swing.

But he’s not a perfect solution. His strikeout rate remains high-he fanned in nearly 30% of his plate appearances this season-and he still chases pitches out of the zone. Defensively, he’s got a strong arm, but overall, he grades out as average at best at third base.

That said, for a team looking for a short-term solution with pop and experience, Suárez could be a very logical fit. He wouldn’t require a long-term commitment, and he’d bring a veteran presence to a young Red Sox core.

Final Thoughts

The Red Sox have a decision to make-and it’s not just about who plays third base. It’s about identity.

Do they double down on Bregman and the leadership he brought to the clubhouse? Do they swing big on Murakami’s upside?

Do they play it safe with Okamoto’s consistency or Suárez’s experience?

Each option offers a different path forward. What’s clear is that Boston isn’t standing still. Whether Bregman returns or not, the Red Sox are preparing for every scenario-and they’re aiming to keep their playoff window wide open.