By the end of this offseason, it seems almost certain the Boston Red Sox will add a right-handed hitter to bolster the middle of their lineup. Whether they re-sign Tyler O’Neill or target another free agent, the team’s need for lineup balance makes this a priority.
Chris Cotillo, a trusted Red Sox insider for MassLive.com, recently discussed Boston’s offseason strategies, including their pursuit of Juan Soto and other areas needing improvement. Cotillo proposed an intriguing name as a “creative free agent” option: Houston Astros slugger Alex Bregman.
“According to reports, (Triston Casas) might be traded, (Rafael Devers) could move to first base or DH, Nolan Arenado is a potential trade target at third base, and Willy Adames and Alex Bregman are creative free agent targets,” Cotillo noted. “Needless to say, the rumor mill includes a lot of moving parts. And you guessed it … Soto’s call will have a ripple effect on the infield, too.”
If the Red Sox fail to land Soto, Bregman could emerge as a compelling alternative. However, signing him would require some logistical adjustments, such as shifting Rafael Devers from third base. Even with these challenges, Bregman’s value might justify the effort. Spotrac projects Bregman to command a four-year, $119 million deal, a figure that could rise depending on market competition. Still, this would be significantly less than the $600 million or more Soto is expected to demand.
At 30 years old, Bregman brings a strong combination of offense and defense. He hit 26 home runs and drove in 75 RBIs in 2024 for the Astros while earning his first Gold Glove Award. Adding him to the Red Sox roster would provide much-needed right-handed power and defensive upgrades. His presence could also trigger additional roster moves, helping the team reconfigure its infield and improve overall.
Bregman represents a cost-effective alternative to Soto while addressing two key needs for the Red Sox: a reliable right-handed bat and improved defensive stability. Whether the team pursues him or another slugger, it’s clear that Boston is determined to reshape its roster to compete at the highest level.
