Red Sox Rebuild After Alex Bregman Trade: Top Free-Agent Targets

After missing out on a marquee free agent, the Boston Red Sox find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. With Alex Bregman choosing Chicago over Fenway, Boston’s front office needs to rethink its strategy at third base.

This piece digs into how roster flexibility, trade possibilities, free-agent alternatives, and internal prospects could shape the Red Sox’s next move as they try to stay relevant in the American League.

Red Sox Regroup After Bregman Miss

The Red Sox entered the offseason hoping to land Alex Bregman as their long-term answer at third base. Instead, the star infielder’s five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs forced Boston to pivot.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow likely feels the sting, but the situation isn’t hopeless. Boston’s earlier commitment to left-hander Ranger Suárez on a five-year, $130 million contract has already shifted the roster’s balance.

Now, with a crowded starting rotation, the Red Sox can explore trades involving pitching depth to address their infield needs. That’s a luxury not every contender has.

Flexibility Opens the Trade Market

According to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, Boston’s newfound flexibility could let the club pursue a premium bat via trade. The Red Sox might be willing to part with a starter if it means landing a reliable everyday third baseman.

Trade Targets Worth Monitoring

Several intriguing names have surfaced as potential trade candidates. Each brings a different mix of offense, defense, and contract control.

Boston’s front office seems open to getting creative, even if it means taking some risks.

Ketel Marte and Nico Hoerner

Arizona’s Ketel Marte stands out as maybe the most impactful option. He’s a dynamic switch-hitter with playoff experience, but he’d command a significant return.

Boston might be better positioned now to meet that price. Another name getting buzz is Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner.

Hoerner’s an elite defender at second base and hit .297 with a 6.2 bWAR last season. While not a classic third baseman, his athleticism and team-friendly profile make him an appealing target—especially if Boston could work out an extension.

Brendan Donovan and Familiar Ties

St. Louis Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan is also on Boston’s radar. Breslow’s relationship with former Boston executive Chaim Bloom could help negotiations.

Donovan’s versatility makes him a sneaky, interesting option for the Red Sox. Sometimes it’s those under-the-radar moves that pay off.

Free-Agent Options: Power vs. Consistency

If trades don’t pan out, the free-agent market has a few notable alternatives. The big question: does Boston chase raw power or go for steadier production?

Eugenio Suárez Headlines a Thin Class

At 34, Eugenio Suárez stands as the most prominent free agent left. He smashed 49 home runs in 2025, which is wild, but a .228 batting average and 196 strikeouts are tough to ignore.

Other names in the mix include former Red Sox fan favorite Kiké Hernández and ex-Boston trade chip Yoan Moncada. Veteran infielder José Iglesias offers a low-cost, defense-first option, though at 36, his upside is pretty limited.

Looking Inward: The Prospect Path

Boston might just decide the answer’s already in-house. The organization has young talent that could step up if given a real shot.

Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell

Marcelo Mayer looks like the ideal internal fix at third base, at least in the eyes of some evaluators. But that wrist injury last season? It cost him a lot of time and now people are rightfully wondering if he can stay healthy.

Kristian Campbell brings defensive flexibility at second base and in the outfield. Still, the Red Sox are waiting for him to show more at the plate after hitting just .223 in 67 games.

How Campbell develops could push Boston to be more aggressive on the trade market. It’s not easy to say how much patience the team will have.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Resetting Red Sox’s Post-Alex Bregman Trade, Free Agent Options