The Boston Red Sox may have to move on to plan C in their hopes to revamp their infield. Boston previously made re-signing Alex Bregman their top priority of the offseason. Nevertheless, the third baseman has shocked many around the league by signing a long-term deal with the Chicago Cubs.

It was recently reported that the Red Sox would likely turn to Bo Bichette if they failed to grab Bregman. Although they play different positions, the pair was seen as the top two infielders on the free agent big board. While some fans could assume Boston’s deal with Bichette is a foregone conclusion, this may not exactly be the case.

The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier is claiming that the Red Sox will unlikely be the highest bidder for Bichette. According to the reporter, the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies have the upper hand in the negotiations. “Given the reported attention Bichette is getting from the Phillies and Yankees — two teams that consistently have outbid other teams for the players they want, in contrast to the Sox — it’s hard to imagine the Sox setting the market for him,” writes Speier.

With Bregman off the board, the Yankees and Phillies have been heavily linked with a move for Bichette. Boston, on the other hand, may be better suited to acquire a new infielder via trade. Red Sox management has already made multiple trades so far this winter, including two separate deals with the St. Louis Cardinals. Another swap deal between the two teams could be the next move for Boston.

Boston Red Sox Headed Towards Plan C or D in Infielder Pursuit

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GettyHouston Astros star Isaac Paredes is one of several options for the Red Sox.

As Speier points out, the Red Sox have been interested in Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan. The clubs have even discussed a potential trade in recent weeks. Donovan would be a direct alternative to Bichette. Although the former Blue Jay has played his entire MLB career at shortstop, he is likely set to move over to second base in 2026.

Donovan, however, is just one possible option for Boston. The Red Sox could also reignite trade talks with the Houston Astros for third baseman Isaac Paredes. If so, the two-time All-Star would be seen as a Bregman replacement. Paredes, despite his previous success, is seen as surplus because Houston has a plethora of highly-rated infielders.

Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner could also become a possibility for Boston. The Gold Glover has been linked with a trade away from Chicago all winter, and the Bregman deal may accelerate a move. Nevertheless, Hoerner will have several suitors, and the Red Sox may not be able to provide the best trade bait for the star.

Boston Should Be Careful Not to Deplete Prospect Pool

While the Red Sox have options, they would likely prefer to address their current needs via free agency. Boston has already sent three of their top 30 2024 prospects to the Cardinals in moves this offseason. Although the team does still have an ample prospect pool, they surely do not want to continue depleting it too much.

Current free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez may become a possibility for the Red Sox in the coming days. The 34-year-old veteran could fill in for Bregman, while providing some much-needed pop to the lineup. Either way, Speier has claimed that Boston execs are getting “creative” in their post-Bregman pursuits.