Should Red Sox Sign Former MVP Waiting for a Deal

The Boston Red Sox have been one of the more intriguing teams this offseason. They’ve aggressively worked the trade market but seem cautious in free agency.

Former MVP Cody Bellinger keeps popping up in winter conversations. His fit in Boston feels complicated and raises a bigger question—should the Red Sox chase star power at any cost, or trust the young core they’ve built?

Red Sox Offseason Strategy: Trades Over Big-Ticket Signings

The Red Sox clearly favor roster reshaping via trades over big free agent splashes. Still, rumors link them to high-end talent, with Alex Bregman standing out as a target to boost their lineup.

Free agency tells a different story. While Bregman’s name floats around, Cody Bellinger doesn’t seem to carry the same buzz at Fenway. That says a lot about Boston’s current roster and where they want to go long-term.

Why Cody Bellinger Isn’t a Seamless Fit in Boston

Bellinger’s talent is obvious. He’s coming off a strong season with the Yankees, showing off power, athleticism, and that smooth glove that once made him one of baseball’s brightest.

But building a winner in Boston isn’t as simple as grabbing the biggest name. The Red Sox already have a crowded outfield picture, stacked with young, high-upside players who need real game reps.

It’s tough to justify throwing huge money at another outfielder, even one as accomplished as Bellinger. The math just doesn’t add up right now.

A Crowded Outfield Limits Bellinger’s Role

Boston’s outfield isn’t just deep—it’s a huge part of the team’s future. The front office put a ton of effort into developing young, controllable talent.

2025 already looks like a proving ground for several of these guys.

The Young Core the Red Sox Want to See

The Red Sox outfield mix includes:

These guys aren’t just bench depth. They’re central to Boston’s plan for the future.

If Bellinger comes in as an everyday outfielder, he’d block opportunities for one or more of them. That could undercut the developmental path the team’s been building toward.

First Base: The One Spot Where Bellinger Fits

If the outfield’s packed, could Bellinger fit at first base? That’s the one spot where the Red Sox have been openly active this winter.

Red Sox Already Showed Their Hand With Pete Alonso

Boston made their priorities clear when they went after Pete Alonso before he signed with the Orioles. That move showed they’ll prioritize run production over perfect positional fits, especially at first base.

Bellinger can handle first and is considered an average defender at the position—maybe even better with the glove than Alonso. But what makes Bellinger stand out is his elite outfield defense paired with his bat.

If you lock him into first base or, worse, a DH-heavy role, you lose a huge part of what makes him valuable. That just doesn’t seem right.

Why a Limited Defensive Role Makes Boston a Tough Sell

From Bellinger’s view, taking a job that keeps him mostly at first base or DH would be a tough pill to swallow. His value in free agency comes from his versatility and impact in the field, not just his bat.

Cost vs. Role: No Hometown Discount for a Reduced Spot

Any team that signs Bellinger will pay for the full version of the player. We’re talking elite outfield defense, power potential, and real athleticism.

The Red Sox would have to match that price tag. But they’d probably offer him a role that actually limits his time in the outfield.

That’s a tough sell for both sides:

Boston’s young outfield depth stands in the way, honestly. Plus, Bellinger wants to be more than just a first baseman or DH, so a partnership here feels like a stretch.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Should Red Sox Sign Former MVP As He Waits For Deal?