Boston Red Sox take bold steps with blockbuster trades and set sights on Alex Bregman
The Boston Red Sox have emerged as the most proactive team in baseball this offseason, making significant strides on the trade front. In a flurry of activity, they have successfully pulled off three high-profile transactions, acquiring Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Johan Oviedo. In addition to these marquee signings, the team also secured Jake Bennett from the Washington Nationals, while parting ways with several players, including Vaughn Grissom, as part of their strategic overhaul.
Pursuing Bregman as a strategic move
While the Red Sox have made waves in the trade market, their offseason objectives are far from complete. A key target on their radar is Alex Bregman, who stands out as the top remaining free agent fit for the franchise. Recent reports indicate that a reunion with Bregman is considered “Plan A” for Boston.
“Speaking to people with the Red Sox, it’s clear that Plan A, at this point in the winter, is locking down a reunion with Alex Bregman, though the sides have yet to line up on a deal to this point,” one insider noted. The competition for Bregman is fierce, with other teams like the Cubs, Diamondbacks, and Blue Jays also vying for his services. However, the Red Sox remain cautiously optimistic about finding common ground with the talented infielder.
Re-signing Bregman and solidifying him at third base could be the cleanest way for Boston to conclude their offseason efforts. This move would not only bolster their infield but also enhance their chances of returning to the top of the American League standings.
Balancing trades and free agency
While the Red Sox have benefited from their recent trades, it’s clear that they cannot rely solely on this approach moving forward. Ken Rosenthal highlighted the importance of pursuing free agency, noting that trading from their system has its limits. In his view, the team’s next strategic move should involve securing a significant free-agent hitter, whether that be Bregman, Bo Bichette, or another prominent name.
“You can’t keep trading from your system, and Brendan Donovan would cost more in prospects than Contreras or Gray did,” Rosenthal stated. This sentiment underscores the necessity for the Red Sox to leverage free agency to complement their roster.
Craig Breslow, the team’s chief baseball officer, reaffirmed that the organization is actively exploring free agency. “It’s not a deliberate or intentional decision to close off one pathway in favor of another,” he explained. “We haven’t signed a free agent yet. That’s not because there aren’t free agents that we’ve been engaged in or because there aren’t really desirable targets in the free agent markets. We just haven’t lined up yet.”
Looking ahead
With Bregman as a prime target, the Red Sox are poised to make further moves that could reshape their roster into one of contention. As they navigate the complexities of building a championship-caliber team, the next steps will be crucial for Boston’s aspirations in the coming years. The offseason is still young, and with their recent trades and a focused approach to free agency, the Red Sox are determined to enhance their chances of success in the 2026 season and beyond.
