In addition to finding a top arm for the starting rotation and rebuilding the bullpen, the Red Sox need to balance the lineup with right-handed power. Alex Bregman hits the open market after winning a pair of championships with the Houston Astros and totally fits that build with Boston.
The one thing to consider, beyond the large contract he’ll command, is Bregman’s position: he’s played third base his entire career. Boston’s franchise player Rafael Devers plays third base and likely won’t move off that position in the immediate future.
The Red Sox did receive a positive update in that regard last week with the potential for Bregman to play another position, according to his agent Scott Boras.
“As to meeting markets and the demand of this kind of player, you just don’t have many players on the dirt that does what he does,” Boras told reporters at the MLB GM meetings in San Antonio, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. “Also that Bregman can play second base, third base, his leadership, it’s a market certainly that the Astros are very aware is very healthy to him.”
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That possibility should really intrigue the Red Sox. Yes, they have Kristian Campbell on the doorstep of filling that position at the MLB level after a surging year in the minor leagues in 2024. With that said, the chance to fill it’s longtime need with a proven All-Star is a rare opportunity.
Dustin Pedroia was the last second baseman to permanently hold down that position for the Red Sox. He hasn’t played a true season there since 2017 and retired before the 2021 season. Bregman moving to second base would give Boston surehanded defense at a needed spot and the perfect balance of a right-handed bat in the No. 3 spot of the lineup.
Bregman will be one of the top hitters pursued on the market. How will the Red Sox approach a potential pursuit?
