Red Sox Face Crucial Decision Between Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado Amid Roster Concerns no
With spring training fast approaching, the Boston Red Sox remain in the hunt for a veteran infielder, weighing two distinct options: signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman or acquiring Nolan Arenado via trade from the St. Louis Cardinals. While both players bring offensive firepower, neither presents a seamless fit for the Red Sox’s current roster, requiring some strategic reshuffling to integrate them effectively.
Bregman’s Market and the Red Sox’s Interest
Boston’s preference leans toward securing Bregman, largely due to his potential to strengthen their lineup without having to part with valuable assets. According to MLB.com’s John Denton, the Red Sox are engaged in a competitive bidding process for Bregman, though their willingness to meet his contractual demands remains uncertain. The third baseman is reportedly seeking a six- to seven-year deal worth around $200 million, a price point that has deterred multiple teams, including the Astros, Blue Jays, Cubs, and Tigers. While Houston recently improved its offer on February 6, it still falls short of Bregman’s expectations, keeping him on the open market.
Boston’s pursuit of Bregman aligns with the front office’s stated commitment to aggressive roster improvements. The organization has consistently indicated a willingness to spend in order to contend, making a failure to secure the All-Star infielder a potentially significant misstep. However, the Red Sox’s reluctance to offer a long-term contract could ultimately hinder their ability to land him. If they were to present an offer with a high average annual value over a shorter period, they might have a better chance of convincing Bregman to choose Boston.
Arenado’s Fit and the Complications of a Trade
While Arenado remains a viable alternative, his acquisition presents notable challenges. At 33, he is three years older than Bregman, and his arrival would necessitate major positional adjustments within the Red Sox infield. Rafael Devers, who signed a 10-year extension in 2022, has been promised time at third base, making Arenado’s natural position redundant unless Devers shifts to designated hitter. Such a move would also require Masataka Yoshida to transition to the outfield while ensuring Triston Casas remains in the lineup.
From a financial and asset-management perspective, trading for Arenado might not be in Boston’s best interest. Given their conservative offseason spending—capping individual free-agent deals at $21.05 million—the Red Sox would need to part with valuable prospects to facilitate the deal. This is particularly concerning after the organization already traded four top prospects to acquire pitcher Garrett Crochet. If Boston is truly committed to strengthening its roster, it may be wiser to allocate its remaining trade capital toward players who better address long-term needs rather than making a costly move for Arenado.
Bregman’s Positional Versatility and the Red Sox’s Second Base Struggles
One key factor favoring Bregman is his potential ability to play second base, a position that has plagued the Red Sox since Dustin Pedroia’s injury and subsequent retirement. Manager Alex Cora, who previously coached Bregman in Houston, has long envisioned him as a second baseman. If Bregman were to make that transition, it would provide Boston with much-needed stability at the position while preventing the team from rushing top prospect Kristian Campbell to the majors before he is fully ready.
Red Sox Must Make a Move to Compete in 2025
Despite the drawbacks of both options, the Red Sox find themselves in a precarious position after failing to re-sign Tyler O’Neill and passing on similar free-agent outfielders like Teoscar Hernández. Having missed the postseason for three consecutive years, Boston is under immense pressure to put a winning product on the field.
While neither Bregman nor Arenado is an ideal long-term solution due to age and roster constraints, the Red Sox may have backed themselves into a situation where acquiring one of them is necessary. If Boston truly intends to contend in 2025, signing Bregman—despite the high cost—appears to be the more logical path forward.
