The Boston Red Sox always knew they might need a Plan B. Now, with Juan Soto heading to the New York Mets after a bidding war, it’s time to put that contingency plan into motion. What was initially a surprising foray into the race for Soto has now left the Red Sox front office scrambling to figure out how to pivot, with a hefty chunk of their $700 million offer still burning a hole in their pocket.
Soto’s decision to head to Flushing, New York, with a record-breaking deal worth $765 million, leaves the Red Sox with a glaring need to fill in their roster—one that could set the tone for how they approach this offseason. With their final bid for Soto falling $65 million short, the Red Sox are now looking at ways to spread that $700 million around in a more strategic way to improve their lineup. And one name that’s quickly emerging as a potential target is Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman.
Bregman as a New Direction for the Red Sox
Rob Bradford of Audacy reported on Monday that the Red Sox are considering making a strong push for Bregman, a two-time All-Star who will turn 31 years old on Opening Day in 2025. The move would certainly raise some eyebrows, given that Bregman’s natural position—third base—is already occupied by fan-favorite Rafael Devers. However, there are multiple reasons why Bregman makes sense as a potential fit for Boston.
First off, Bregman is a right-handed hitter, which would help balance the Red Sox’s predominantly left-handed lineup. His ability to provide offensive production could be just what the Red Sox need in the heart of their order, and while he’s known for his work at third, Bregman has reportedly expressed an openness to sliding over to second base—a position where Boston has a clear need.
Bregman’s leadership is another aspect the Red Sox are reportedly looking to add. He brings championship pedigree, having won the 2017 World Series with the Astros and established himself as one of the most reliable players in Houston’s lineup. His presence could help solidify a clubhouse in need of more veterans who have experienced winning at the highest level. With the Red Sox already bringing in a new leadership group, Bregman’s winning mentality could be a much-needed asset.
The Money Question
However, the potential move to Boston comes with its complications. Bregman, represented by agent Scott Boras, is reportedly seeking a contract in the neighborhood of $200 million—a massive commitment for a player who posted a .768 OPS in 2024. While he remains a solid offensive player, his recent performance may give some pause about whether he’s worth the significant investment that Boras is aiming for.
Additionally, signing Bregman would require the Red Sox to forfeit a draft pick, as the Astros extended a qualifying offer to their star. That could be another hurdle in a deal that’s already looking like a tough negotiation. Bregman is undoubtedly a proven talent, but with the Red Sox looking to rebuild and retool in a way that’s more cost-effective, this kind of commitment could represent a risky move—especially considering their recent efforts to trim payroll and their financial limitations.
The Future of the Red Sox Offseason
As the Winter Meetings approach, the question remains: Will the Red Sox pull the trigger on a deal for Bregman? And if so, what price will they be willing to pay? Will they bite the bullet and meet Boras’ asking price, or will they pivot to other options in their search for the right pieces to improve their roster?
One thing is certain: With the loss of Soto, the Red Sox can’t afford to sit back and wait. They’ve already committed a significant amount of resources to the chase for the superstar outfielder, and now, with their sights on Bregman, they need to act swiftly if they’re serious about making a move to contend in 2025.
Whether the Red Sox make Bregman their Plan B or decide to explore other avenues, the next few days could prove pivotal for the future of this franchise.
