It is officially back to the drawing board for Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.

Boston’s offseason plans took a sharp and public turn after third baseman Alex Bregman chose to leave the open market behind and sign a five year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.

For the Red Sox, the loss was more than symbolic.

Bregman was viewed internally as the cleanest solution to Boston’s long-standing vacancy at third base.

His departure now leaves a significant hole at the hot corner and forces Breslow to pivot quickly.

The urgency is real.

Boston entered the offseason with the clear goal of upgrading its lineup and solidifying the infield defense.

Now, with one of the premier options off the board, the Red Sox must explore alternative paths.

That process raises an immediate question.

Where does Craig Breslow turn next?

One possibility involves revisiting a trade market that previously appeared closed.

Specifically, attention has shifted toward the Arizona Diamondbacks and All-Star infielder Ketel Marte.

Earlier this offseason, Arizona signaled it was not interested in moving Marte.

However, circumstances have changed.

That decision came before Boston signed former Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez to a five year, $130 million contract.

The addition of Suárez significantly altered Boston’s roster construction.

With a reinforced rotation, the Red Sox suddenly possess a surplus of starting pitching.

As a result, Boston now has a type of leverage it lacked earlier in the winter.

According to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, that leverage could be pivotal.

McCaffrey notes that the Red Sox now have “more flexibility to trade a starter.”

That flexibility matters when dealing with a team like Arizona.

The Diamondbacks have been open about seeking controllable pitching depth.

With Suárez now locked in long-term, Boston could afford to move a starter without crippling its rotation.

“The Red Sox could entice Arizona with a bigger trade package,” McCaffrey reports.

That statement reflects a broader league understanding.

Pitching remains the most valuable currency in baseball trades.

If Boston is willing to part with one of its arms, the conversation around Marte could change.

Marte would immediately transform the Red Sox infield.

His switch-hitting profile, athleticism, and postseason experience fit Boston’s needs.

However, Arizona would not move him lightly.

Any deal would require a substantial return.

Another trade avenue runs through the Chicago Cubs.

McCaffrey reports that Boston could explore a deal involving Nico Hoerner.

Hoerner is not known as a traditional power bat.

But his value extends well beyond home run totals.

Last season, Hoerner hit .297, posted a 6.2 bWAR, and ranked among the best defensive second basemen in the league.

Those metrics matter deeply to a Red Sox team looking to improve run prevention.

Adding Hoerner would immediately strengthen Boston’s infield defense.

It would also provide lineup balance through contact hitting and baserunning.

While Hoerner is set to become a free agent next year, that may not deter Boston.

McCaffrey notes that the Red Sox could pursue an extension as part of the deal.

Such an approach would mirror Boston’s recent strategy with Garrett Crochet.

Locking Hoerner into a long-term contract could offset the cost of a trade.

From Chicago’s perspective, the decision would depend on its own competitive timeline.

For Boston, Hoerner represents a high-floor, low-risk option.

Another intriguing trade target resides in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan has drawn interest across the league.

What makes St. Louis particularly relevant is the relationship dynamic.

Breslow maintains a strong professional connection with Chaim Bloom, now the Cardinals’ president of baseball operations.

Bloom previously served as Boston’s top baseball executive.

That familiarity has already resulted in multiple deals this offseason.

Twice, Breslow and Bloom have completed trades.

Boston acquired right-hander Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras through negotiations with St. Louis.

Those transactions suggest a willingness to collaborate.

If the Cardinals decide to reshape their roster, Donovan could become available.

His versatility, on-base skills, and left-handed bat would appeal to Boston.

Still, trade costs remain a concern.

That reality pushes Boston to consider the free-agent market as well.

Among available options, Eugenio Suárez stands out.

At first glance, Suárez offers exactly what Boston lacks.

Power.

The 34-year-old tied his career high in 2025 with 49 home runs.

That level of production would instantly add thunder to the Red Sox lineup.

However, the concerns are significant.

Suárez hit just .228 last season.

He also struck out 196 times.

Those numbers raise questions about consistency and contact ability.

While his power is undeniable, he is far from an ideal all-around fit.

After Suárez, the free-agent infield market thins quickly.

The remaining options are largely short-term or depth plays.

Some of those names carry familiarity in Boston.

One such name is Kiké Hernández.

A former Red Sox infielder and three-time World Series champion, Hernández remains available.

His versatility and clubhouse presence are well known.

However, he is not a long-term solution at third base.

Another familiar option is Yoán Moncada.

Boston traded Moncada in 2016 to the Chicago White Sox as part of the Chris Sale deal.

Now a free agent, Moncada represents a reunion possibility.

Yet his recent injury history and declining production temper enthusiasm.

One-time All-Star José Iglesias is also on the market.

At 36 years old, Iglesias brings veteran experience and defensive reliability.

But questions linger about how much remains in the tank.

Iglesias debuted with the Red Sox in 2011.

Boston traded him to Detroit in 2013 as part of the three-team deal that landed Jake Peavy.

In 2021, Iglesias returned to Boston as a free agent for the stretch run.

His career arc underscores how cyclical roster construction can be.

Beyond external options, Boston must evaluate internal solutions.

Two former top prospects stand out.

Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell remain part of the long-term picture.

According to McCaffrey, there is internal preference for Mayer at third base.

“A source within the team recently noted a preference for Mayer at third over second base,” she reports.

That preference holds unless Boston makes a trade or free-agent signing at the position.

Mayer’s 2025 season was disrupted by injury.

He hit .228 with four home runs in 44 games before being shut down due to a wrist issue.

The talent remains evident.

But health and consistency remain concerns.

Campbell presents a different case.

He broke spring training with the Red Sox in 2025.

Across 67 games, he hit .223 with six home runs.

The organization values his versatility.

However, development remains the priority.

“A team source noted the long-term plan is still for Campbell to maintain his defensive versatility in the future at second and in the outfield,” McCaffrey adds.

“But they want him to get right offensively first.”

That comment reflects a broader philosophy.

Boston does not want to force internal options prematurely.

At the same time, the team cannot afford stagnation.

Craig Breslow now faces one of his first defining tests as baseball operations chief.

The loss of Bregman forced urgency.

The roster demands action.

Whether through trade, free agency, or internal development, the Red Sox must respond.

The next move may determine not only the 2026 lineup, but the direction of the franchise itself.