After a .500 season in 2024 that saw the Boston Red Sox miss the playoffs, the team is looking to reassert itself as a contender in the competitive AL East. While teams like the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees will continue to pose significant challenges, Boston is making moves this offseason to strengthen its roster and aim for a division title in 2025.
The Red Sox have already made noteworthy additions, including acquiring starting pitchers Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet. These moves improve Boston’s rotation but are seen as just part of the solution. The team is reportedly eyeing one more “significant move” before the season begins, whether through a trade or a free-agent signing. One name that has come up in discussions is Alex Bregman, a star third baseman who has a strong relationship with Boston manager Alex Cora.
While it’s surprising to hear the Red Sox linked to Bregman or even potentially trading for Nolan Arenado, especially with Rafael Devers firmly entrenched at third base, Cora has not dismissed the idea of pursuing Bregman. According to reports, Cora discussed his past conversations with Bregman and highlighted the fact that Bregman has played third base throughout his career, including during his time in Houston, when he worked alongside fellow stars like Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve.
Although Bregman has spent nine years in the big leagues as a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, Cora believes he could transition to second base. Cora has even expressed that he always envisioned Bregman as a potential Gold Glove second baseman, praising his size and movement on the field. Despite this, a position change would be a significant ask for Bregman, who has established himself as one of the league’s premier third basemen. Fortunately, reports suggest Bregman is open to the idea of switching positions, though it would require careful management from Boston’s side.
The challenge for the Red Sox is finding a fit for Bregman, as a move to second base could block opportunities for some of their young prospects, particularly Vaughn Grissom, whom the team acquired in the trade for Chris Sale. Additionally, if Bregman were to shift to first or third base, it could disrupt the roles of established players like Rafael Devers and Triston Casas.
While no easy solution exists, second base appears to be the most practical option in the short term if the Red Sox move forward with signing Bregman. However, the situation will require careful consideration of both the team’s current roster and its future plans.
