The Boston Red Sox are at a crossroads after the shocking news that Alex Bregman, their coveted third baseman, has reportedly signed a massive five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. This leaves a gaping hole in their lineup and clubhouse leadership. But fear not, Red Sox fans – while Bregman's departure stings, there are still plenty of talented hitters available to bolster the team's roster. And this is where it gets interesting: with the Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly holding onto Ketel Marte, the Redox must explore alternative options in both free agency and the trade market.
Here's a look at five compelling position players the Red Sox should target to fill the void left by Bregman's exit:
Bo Bichette, SS, Free Agent: With Bregman off the board, all eyes turn to Bichette as the premier free-agent option. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox are poised to pursue the 27-year-old shortstop, who has spent his entire career with the Toronto Blue Jays. While Bichette has primarily played shortstop, a position change to second base in Boston could be beneficial, allowing Trevor Story to remain at shortstop and Marcelo Mayer to take over at third base. Bichette's offensive resurgence in 2025, where he batted an impressive .311/.357/.483, makes him an attractive upgrade. Although he may not be an elite power hitter, his ability to consistently hit doubles could thrive at Fenway Park.
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Brendan Donovan, 2B/OF, St. Louis Cardinals: The Red Sox have already demonstrated a willingness to deal with the Cardinals, acquiring Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras. Could they strike again? Donovan, a 28-year-old lefty with a career .282/.361/.411 slash line, offers excellent on-base skills and defensive versatility. His ability to play second base and outfield makes him a valuable asset, though the Cardinals' asking price could be a hurdle.
But here's where it gets controversial: If the Cardinals are open to further rebuilding, the Red Sox could target Nolan Arenado instead. Once a premier third baseman, Arenado's production has declined, batting just .237/.289/.377 last season. However, his 10 Gold Gloves and 8 All-Star selections speak to his past greatness. With two years and $42 million remaining on his contract, the Cardinals might be willing to move him, allowing the Red Sox to acquire a proven veteran leader without giving up significant assets.
Nolan Arenado, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals: See above for the controversial take on Arenado.
Isaac Paredes, 3B, Houston Astros: Paredes, a 26-year-old third baseman, has been linked to the Red Sox in trade talks. While acquiring him wouldn't be cheap, Paredes offers a compelling blend of offensive skills and positional versatility. He batted .254/.352/.458 with 20 home runs in 102 games for the Astros last season and remains under team control until 2028. Like Bregman, Paredes excels at limiting strikeouts (17.4%) while drawing walks (11.1%), making him a potential long-term solution at third base or elsewhere in the infield.
What do you think, Red Sox fans? Which of these players would you most like to see in a Boston uniform? And is targeting Arenado a smart move, or should the team focus on younger, more consistent options? Let us know in the comments!
