Replacing Alex Bregman in Boston
Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros ( MLB.com)
Not only did the Cubs steal away star third baseman Alex Bregman, but their POBO and architect of the deal, Jed Hoyer, also came from the Red Sox org. Without a doubt, the consensus around the league is that the Cubs have had a successful offseason. They traded for Edward Cabrera when many thought he would be dealt to the Yankees. The Cubbies also brought in a couple relievers and convinced Tyler Austin to come back stateside after starring in Japan for years. Craig Breslow and his front office in Boston have not seen this kind of success, especially not this winter. Craig’s big victory last winter was trading for Garrett Crochet, an impressive move followed up with the brilliant extension in the spring to make it count. This year, the Sox have traded across the aisle with former POBO Chaim Bloom, now running the St. Louis Cardinals. Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras are accomplished MLB veterans, and acquiring them does make the Red Sox better. However, whatever benefit there may be is marginalized by the devastating loss of Alex Bregman, particularly since Murakami and Okamoto are already off the board. To further the pain, it’s being reported locally in Boston that Bregman was ready to accept Breslow’s offer if they had added a full no-trade clause. If John Henry and the FSG are serious about a deep playoff run (something we evidently can’t assume), they can’t rely on Marcelo Mayer for 500 AB’s in 2026. The question now is, who are the options be it internally, via trade, or the free market?
Internal Options
Marcelo Mayer, 4th overall draft pick in the 2021 draft, struggled offensively in 136 big league plate appearances last season. Marcelo has a big arm that will be maximized at third, and projects as an above average MLB hitter. He’s the top internal option no doubt, but he has battled a few injuries over the past couple seasons. Beyond Mayer, Nick Sogard can fill in for a couple weeks, but is not regarded as an everyday player at the highest level. While Romy Gonzalez has started a handful of games at third in the last couple years, he’s clearly more comfortable at both first and second. In any case, he’s more valuable as a utility infielder or a weakside platoon vs LHP. Mikey Romero is only 22 years old and still too raw to be considered a legit option, likely until 2027. Lastly, Kristian Campbell could be worked out at third, but his arm is fringe. He really struggled on both sides of the ball, posting a .664 OPS while looking unplayable at second base. Since he’s been guaranteed $60M in legal tender, Alex Cora will have no choice but to try him everywhere he can. Otherwise, there is a danger of a Rusney Castillo 2.0.
Kristian Campbell 2025 Baseball Savant Page
Trade Market
On the trade market, there are a few more viable options, starting with the Chicago White Sox. Chris Getz appears to have an extra infielder worthy of everyday playing time; both Lenyn Sosa and Miguel Vargas can play at the hot corner. Neither are very good defenders, but both young guys have four years of team control. Sosa hit 22 bombs last year, while Vargas managed a league average 100 OPS+. A more intriguing option is Isaac Paredes, who could be position-less now with the addition of Carlos Correa in Houston. The righty is only 27 years old with two years of team control, and possesses a power stroke fit for Fenway Park. In the National League, the most obvious fit is Matt Shaw, the young Cubs third baseman demoted by the signing of Alex Bregman. I would be shocked if Breslow acquired Shaw, if only because of the narrative (Cubs leftovers). It’s worth noting that Shaw is a plus defender, and posted an .839 OPS in the 2nd half after a rough start to the year. Most other options will depend on how free agency goes (e.g. Bo to Phillies, Alec Bohm becomes more available.)
2025 Isaac Paredes Spray Chart (Baseball Savant)
Free Agency
Bo Bichette is the #1 option now, full stop. The 2X All Star is only 28 years old, a .294 career hitter with 25 HR power, and a shortstop willing to convert to either second or third. Bichette will probably command around $200M, and we haven’t seen Boston truly go for top of the market free agents in years (David Price in December 2015)? Another tier down, you have Eugenio Suárez, who is already 34 with declining defense at third. While he does have prodigious 50 HR power, he also has a K rate that hovers around 30%. If he or Bo signs somewhere else, the incumbent of said club will likely become available via the trade market. If the Red Sox want to take a shot on a former top prospect, Yoán Moncada, a full circle reunion would be fun to see. That said, Moncada doesn’t have plus power and strikes out as much as Geno does. His defense was nothing to write home about last year, though he will be in the bargain bin as long as there aren’t too many suitors for him.
2025 Bo Bichette Profile (Baseball Reference)
