The Boston Red Sox are in a delicate position heading into the next offseason. With the looming possibility that they could miss out on acquiring Alex Bregman, the Red Sox will have to pivot quickly to address their lineup’s needs and maintain competitive standing in the AL East. The Houston Astros’ star third baseman is an appealing target for Boston’s front office given his track record of success and leadership, but if Bregman’s price tag becomes prohibitive or if he decides to stay in Houston, the Red Sox will need to look elsewhere for talent. Thankfully, there are several high-profile free agents or trade candidates who could fill that void.
Here are three players the Boston Red Sox could target if they miss out on Alex Bregman:
1. Matt Chapman (3B) – Toronto Blue Jays
Matt Chapman is one of the top third baseman available in free agency, and should Bregman remain in Houston or sign elsewhere, Chapman could emerge as a top target for the Red Sox. Known for his elite defense at the hot corner, Chapman has consistently been one of the best fielding third basemen in baseball since his debut with the Oakland Athletics. He’s an excellent option for a team looking to bolster its infield defense.
Offensively, Chapman’s been up-and-down in recent years, but he’s still capable of producing at a high level. While his batting average can fluctuate, his power remains a significant asset. In 2023, Chapman finished the season with 27 home runs and a .764 OPS, despite a lower-than-usual batting average. His ability to hit for power while playing top-tier defense could make him a key contributor in the middle of Boston’s lineup.
Chapman’s fit with the Red Sox would come down to his potential to rebound offensively and bring his Gold Glove-caliber defense to Fenway Park. The Red Sox would love a player who can help stabilize their infield defense and provide power at the plate. If the price is right, Chapman could be a viable replacement for Bregman—though he wouldn’t offer quite the same offensive consistency.
Why Chapman?
- Elite defender at third base
- Power hitter with potential to bounce back
- Could be a relative bargain compared to Bregman
2. Jorge Polanco (2B/3B) – Minnesota Twins
While Jorge Polanco has primarily played second base throughout his career, he’s more than capable of sliding over to third base, offering the Red Sox flexibility in how they approach their infield in 2024. Polanco has been one of the more consistent middle infielders in the American League, consistently posting solid offensive numbers. He may not have the power numbers of some of the other candidates, but his contact skills and ability to get on base would be highly valuable to a Red Sox lineup that has been in search of more consistency from the middle infield.
In 2023, Polanco slashed .265/.337/.453 with 23 home runs and 80 RBIs, showing that he can still be a significant contributor at the plate. His plate discipline has remained strong throughout his career, and he’d be an asset to any lineup that needs a reliable switch hitter with power and solid defense.
While he’s not a prototypical third baseman, his ability to play multiple infield positions could make him an intriguing target for the Red Sox as they search for ways to maximize their flexibility on the field. Polanco would likely come at a lower price point than a player like Bregman or Chapman, which could give the Red Sox more financial flexibility to make other roster upgrades.
Why Polanco?
- Versatile player who can fill multiple infield spots
- Solid power and contact hitter
- Could be a less expensive alternative, giving the Red Sox room to bolster other areas
3. Rafael Devers (3B) – Boston Red Sox Extension
While this may seem like an obvious choice given that Rafael Devers is already a member of the Red Sox, there’s still lingering uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the team. Devers is one of the most talented third basemen in the game, but with a large portion of the Red Sox fanbase wondering if his current contract extension will get done before he hits free agency, it’s worth considering that the club could opt to address his situation first, especially if they miss out on Bregman or another star.
Devers has the potential to be a game-changer on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he’s a perennial MVP candidate who can hit for both average and power, finishing the 2023 season with 39 home runs and 110 RBIs. His bat would be a tremendous asset in the heart of any lineup, and the Red Sox are likely going to have to commit serious resources to keeping him around long-term.
If the Red Sox fail to land Bregman in free agency, this might be the perfect time for Boston’s front office to focus on locking up Devers to a lengthy extension. Devers is one of the faces of the franchise, and the last thing the Red Sox want is for him to hit free agency and potentially leave the team in a few years. In the worst-case scenario where they miss out on a significant external acquisition like Bregman, securing Devers’ long-term future would be a huge win for the Red Sox.
Why Devers?
- Current face of the Red Sox franchise
- Consistently among the top offensive third basemen in MLB
- A long-term contract extension would solidify the Red Sox’s core for the future
Conclusion
Though Alex Bregman remains an enticing target for the Red Sox this offseason, the team must be prepared for the possibility that they might miss out on his services. Whether due to a high asking price, a change in his market dynamics, or a shift in his preferences, the Red Sox would be wise to pursue other options to fortify their third base position. Matt Chapman, Jorge Polanco, and Rafael Devers represent a trio of players who could help address Boston’s needs, each with different strengths that would complement the team’s existing roster. While Bregman might be the ideal addition, any of these three could provide solid contributions in the event that the Red Sox need to adjust their plans. Regardless of what happens with Bregman, the Red Sox need to remain agile in their pursuit of talent to ensure they remain competitive in a tough AL East division.
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