12:33pm: Speier’s report has subsequently been updated to highlight Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan as a fifth infielder the Red Sox are currently focused on.
Donovan, 29 next month, is among the most discussed trade candidates in baseball this winter. In addition to being a capable defender all over the infield and outfield, Donovan sports a career 119 wRC+ and has delivered 6.0 fWAR (5.3 bWAR) in just 271 games over the past two seasons. As a left-handed batter, Donovan wouldn’t be as effective in balancing a heavily left-handed Red Sox lineup as the right-handed Bregman, Bichette, and Paredes (or even the switch-hitting Marte), but he does come with two years of affordable team control.
Newly-minted Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom is certainly familiar with Boston’s farm system at this point, both due to trades involving Contreras and Sonny Gray from earlier this offseason and also due to his years spent as chief baseball officer for the Red Sox prior to Craig Breslow’s tenure at the helm. Notably, the competition for Donovan’s services figures to be steep. Seattle and San Francisco were previously reported as front-runners for the utility man’s services earlier this month, while the Royals, Guardians, Astros, and Pirates are among the other teams to have been connected to Donovan.
10:26am: The Red Sox have long been known to be looking for a right-handed bat to add to their infield mix, and they found one when they swung a trade with the Cardinals to acquire Willson Contreras. Contreras figures to settle into an everyday role with the club between first base and DH, but even with the veteran slugger in the fold Alex Speier of the Boston Globe notes that the Red Sox remain in the market for another big bat for their infield. Speier specifically highlights four potential targets for the Red Sox: free agents Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes, and Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte. While Speier acknowledges that alternatives to that group exist in both free agency and on the trade market, those four names appear to be the focus on Boston’s efforts at this point.
The specific names themselves aren’t exactly new information. Bregman, of course, was an impactful player for the Red Sox this past season after signing a three-year, opt-out laden deal with the club last offseason. After slashing .273/.360/.462 in 114 games and notching his third career All-Star appearance, Bregman opted out of the final two years of that deal to return to free agency. A reunion with Boston has long appeared to be the most obvious fit for Bregman, and the team’s interest in a reunion is well-established. With that said, the Red Sox are known to be hesitant about offering long-term deals in free agency; Bregman’s three-year pact with the Red Sox last year was the longest free agent contract Craig Breslow has doled out during his tenure as chief baseball officer. With Bregman known to be seeking a longer-term deal this winter, it’s unclear if the Red Sox would be willing to break with their established preference for shorter-term contracts in order to sign Bregman to a five- or six-year deal that would take him into his age-36 or -37 campaign.
As for Bichette, the Red Sox reportedly conducted a video meeting with him earlier this month. Bichette stands as the top infielder available in free agency this winter on the heels of a season where he slashed .311/.357/.483 for the Blue Jays in 139 games. Bichette isn’t quite as clean of a fit for the Red Sox as Bregman would be, in terms of position. A reunion with Bregman would allow Trevor Story and Marcelo Mayer to stay at their current positions up the middle, while Bichette is a shortstop who has shown a willingness to play second base but may not feel the same way about the hot corner. With that said, most of Mayer’s time in the majors last year actually came at third while Bregman was injured. Perhaps, then, Bichette could be a preferable addition to Bregman. While he would require a contract just as long as (or perhaps even longer than) Bregman, Bichette is four years younger than Bregman. As a result, even an eight-year deal for Bichette wouldn’t come with as many years of expected decline as a five-year deal for Bregman.
Turning to the trade market, Marte has rivaled Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan as the most popular name available on the market this winter. While the Diamondbacks have made clear that they aren’t actively shopping Marte and expect to keep their star second baseman, the three-time All-Star has slashed .288/.374/.539 over the past two seasons with a wRC+ of 149, 10.9 fWAR, and 11.2 bWAR across 262 games. That’s the sort of production that compels teams to check in on a player if there’s any chance they could be available, and the Red Sox are among the teams to do so this offseason. Marte would be on Boston’s books through the end of his age-37 campaign if acquired, though the $102.5MM guaranteed left on that deal is very affordable compared to the going rate for star players.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle to acquiring Marte would be the acquisition cost; while the Red Sox are known to be open to dealing from their controllable pitching depth, free agent deals for Merrill Kelly and Michael Soroka have helped to fill out the Diamondbacks’ rotation enough that the team might prefer to bring back some positional talent to help fill the void created by Marte’s departure. Trading an elite prospect talent like Mayer or Kristian Campbell would be a tough pill to swallow for the Red Sox, especially if paired with a controllable rotation arm like Connelly Early or Payton Tolle.
That could make another player on the trade market more attractive. While Paredes isn’t a star on the level of Marte, Bichette, or even Bregman, he would still bring impact to the Boston infield. The 26-year-old hit .254/.352/.458 (128 wRC+) in 102 games for the Astros last year and has slashed .239/.341/.442 (124 wRC+) since the start of the 2022 campaign. Paredes offers a consistent, bat-first profile at third base that should be attractive to the Red Sox, especially considering the slugger’s relative affordability. Paredes is slated to make his penultimate trip through arbitration this offseason, and with two years of affordable team control covering his age-27 and -28 seasons, the Red Sox need not commit to him long-term or be on the hook for any of the years following his prime.
As for his availability, Houston GM Dana Brown has publicly suggested the team has no desire to trade Paredes but he has still drawn interest from the Red Sox nonetheless. Notably, the presence of Carlos Correa and Christian Walker at the infield corners (to say nothing of Yordan Alvarez at DH) limits Paredes’s paths to playing time in Houston, which could make a trade more feasible. The Astros already brought in Mike Burrows to help fill out their rotation but could certainly still benefit from additional young pitching, which the Red Sox are more than capable of providing. Prior reports have indicated that Early and Tolle are both players the Astros are interested in, and moving one of those arms out as the centerpiece of a Paredes deal could make plenty of sense.
Red Sox should offer a trade for Luis Garcia from the Nationals
decent bat, decent glove.
won’t set the world on fire but won’t break any banks either.
2 years of control on him with a $7mill contract for 2026 and he’s just 25 years old and has a good attitude.
Nats can use a couple relief pitchers and or a PTBNL
Nationals could take Roman Anthony from the Red Sox and offer Luis Garcia and your PTBNL. See I can be silly, too.
I take it you disagree that Luis Garcia Jr wont command a high price?
Yes, Garcia is about three levels below Anthony in long term potential, he is a cheap very useful ball player.
Okay maybe he’s cheap, but what is so useful?
The sum total of mediocre middle infield glovework/arm and an atrocious OBP is basically a replacement level 0-1 WAR bat. Most teams have a guy like this for free, the Red Sox definitely do. Don’t think that 2024 year with the bat will replicate but maybe I’m wrong on that.
Not a fan of either team, but if I’m Boston I probably wouldn’t even put this guy on my bench.
just the type of guy the Sox are after. Decent but MOST IMORTANTLY cheap.
Throw in Abrams and Gore and you got yourself a deal! Lol.
MLB – Breslow thinks that isn’t enough. He’s willing to throw in Rafaela and K. Campbell.
As a Nats fan, I was going to post this, but not for relief pitchers, and definitely not tor a PTNL.
Garcia for Tristan Casas. The Nats need a 1B badly. The Yohandy Morales expetiment looks like it’s not going to work, and this deal would allow them to move Abrams to 2B if/when Willits is ready in 2027-28.
Not sure either team would do that deal, but it is reasonable
Actually Garcia for Casas is probably a heck of a good 1v1 and probably a deal both teams WOULD do.
Red Sox absolutely pass
They’ve already passed on Casas, so…
Everyday, Allday, twice on Sunday, PASS! Lol this is a ridiculous 1for1. Not close, Hard NO! Casas was injured twice significantly, If Boston bails on TC that would be very short sighted and frankly incredibiliy foolish! If ut’s me I offer him a Campbell or Rafaela type extention now while his sticking in MLB is in question and ride out this coin flip as it plays out. Casas turned down an offer after his rookie season but 2 years later and 2 injuries later He would be very wise at his young age to lock in, and if he plays well and stays healthy he’s prime for a larger deal later, if he sucks and disappears from baseball He covered his own retirement at an early age as well. Breslow offer the extention again! TC Take it!
The problem baseball is while injured, Casas has aged and only has I believe three years of control left. The cheap years are gone. Thus, I see Casas going year to year hoping he stays healthy and produces like his rookie season to maximize his final controlled years. He won’t give up free agency years unless he’s well compensated for it and Boston will not offer anything more than they have to unless he’s well compensated first proves he’s healthy and productive.
Tristan Casas is going to hit in 2026. I’m keeping track of all you “nay-sayers”. Not really…
Not sure just how many of these comments are tongue-in-cheek. But given Garcia’s defensive struggles at 2B, I think a move to 1B would make more sense.
He has an exciting combination of solid power and plus contact skills, but the inability to differentiate balls and strikes, or show any progress in this regard, has led to his below average batting line (93 wRC+). Meanwhile Casas has an extra year of control and a career 119 wRC+. Red Sox unloaded most of their relief pitching depth when they cut down to 40 in November.
Maybe Abrams for Casas.
I like Garcia well enough, but he’s a lefty, with poor splits against lefties. He might not be any more useful than Hamilton.
He probably is more useful for the Nationals as an inexpensive bat then he is for the Red Sox.
red sox are looking to add something more than a “decent bat, decent glow” guy.
I Saw the TV
correction: decent glove
actually short term and affordable contracts are what they are looking for
Boagerts and cash for a 4th/5th string starting pitcher? We throw 80 million in which makes him 15 million a season. He plays out his career with the Red Sox and everyone’s happy.
VegasSDfan – The biggest issue I have with that is even at $15M I don’t want any part of Bogaerts at 38-41yo. If there were 5 years left on his contract, maybe even at 6, I think that would be a real option, but at 8 years it’s a really tough pill to swallow.
Yup, even with the $80M, we’d owe him $120M, and he is unlikely to have more than 1-2 good seasons.
Whatever happened to the Padre fan that kept insisting that Bogaerts was a great signing?
Paredes back to the Tigers to play 3B and a pitcher like Olsen goes the other way! Do it Harris. Tigers can sign or trade for a #2 starter to fill the void.
Makes too much sense. They would probably try to return him to hitting line drives, and his power numbers would plummet.
Moto – I’m with you, because he’s the only guy in the article that I wouldn’t want. He’s injury prone and he sucks every other year. If he’s truly on the trade market, I wonder if the Astros would make a run at signing Bregman.
Breggy and Bichette are demanding longterm contracts the Sox have insisted they won’t give out, and they would both put the Sox over the 2nd threshold which they’ve also said they would not do.
So either the Sox are liars (again) or “focusing” on those two is about as sincere as when they said Xander was their primary focus. Yeah my primary focus is Sydney Sweeney, but I’ll eventually settle for Jennifer Coolidge ;O)
The Sox won’t give out long term contracted to players already in their 30s. That doesn’t apply to Bichette. People who act like this is a blanket policy applied to all players are misguided.
ken – They also won’t give out longterm contracts to players with injury histories.
As Loomer pointed out last week (and I already knew), Bo has been injured a lot in his 20’s ….. which doesn’t bode well for his 30’s.
It’s a moot point really, Bo will sign with the Jays unless they sign Tucker or Bellinger … and even then I wouldn’t rule it out.
Then explain the long term extension for Crochet despite a TJ surgery in his past.
Ken – Not the same, that was his only injury and it was an extension not a free agent contract for a player from another team. For the haul Boston gave Chicago, they were forced to give him the huge contract. They rolled the dice, so far it’s worked out.
I’d take Jennifer Connelly over both of those women, but I’m a bit older than you.
hayzee – I’m so old I teared up when I heard Bardot passed away …. she was the best, better than MM and GL.
Pretty decent proposal tbh. Might need an additional piece each way, but dig it.
All things considered, bringing Bregman back would probably make the Red Sox the most competitive team in 2026. Defensively, him at 3B and Mayer at 2B feels better than Mayer at 3B and Bichette at 2B. Mayer held his own at 3B last year, but Bichette’s defense leaves something to be desired.
All that being said, I do worry about Bregman’s ability to continue playing the hot corner into year 3 or 4 of that deal. But at that point, maybe he slides to 1B?
Bichette being younger makes him the more attractive player contract-wise…but I dunno, Bregman’s defense and the leadership he provided for this time last year…I would consider paying the man exactly what he’s looking for.
Bregman can’t slide to 1B. You be better off trying him in LF, like the Astros did with Altuve.
LF is fine, even DH. I just can’t see him playing 3B into his mid to late 30s. But if the offense is still there, it’ll be worth it…all you can hope for in a player at the back end of his career who primarily played 3B.
Tell that to Devers….
Devers couldn’t play 3B at the front-end of his career.
Why couldn’t Bregman play first?
Typically you want a big target and a long reach at 1B, to go and get the ball. Bregman has short arms. He’s not particularly tall. It’s not going to be considered. It would be very bad for him if he can play 3B.
Ah, gotcha. Thanks for that explanation. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone discussing his physical measurables before – outside of obviously knowing he’s not particularly tall – so I didn’t realize he was such a poor physical profile for the position.
Why not both? Bregman 4yrs and Bichette 8yrs, Mayer to the bench as backup SS/2B/3B and takes over SS when Story is gone.
No one other than this insane article has mentioned 8 years for Bichette. Everything up to this point has been 6 years max.
It just be a big waste. Allocating value like that just handcuffs building.
That’s a lot of $$$ to spend, I can’t see the Sox going for both.
It’s hard to think the Sox go for one with how they’ve avoided free agents so far.
I would much rather the Sox spend that money on a #2 Pitcher than either Bregman or Bichette. Of the two, I’d much rather have Bichette moving forward, but would pass on both. A #2 pitcher moves the needle far more for this club than adding either of these two guys. Bring in Donovan to play 2B, and let Mayer play 3B and still be a top 7 offense, and a top 5 pitching staff.
See I disagree here. I think they need to get another infielder preferably either Bregman or Bichette to fit nicely into that two hole in the lineup. I do think they will play Mayer at either third or second depending on whom is brought in. Mayer was really good defensively at third so if they bring in Bichette, my choice for #2 behind Anthony in the lineup, he should slide in really nicely.
The pitching to start the season is good not great but good with the potential of being great. I really think Early is going to be a true high end pitcher by the end of the season. I also think Tolle will be up for good by the middle of the season. The Red Sox also have a ton of pitching depth in the minor leagues, in fact, every one of the starters in Worcester are going to be on the 40 man with three of them having big league experience.
If the Red Sox sign one of Bregman or Bichette they can then sit back and wait to see if someone blinks and perhaps a trade will be worked out for that perceived number 2. Right now the Red Sox would start with Mayer at third and Romy Gonzales at second. An infielder is much more important than a #2 at this point.
You mean to say their bat is more important than a #2 as the defensive value between the options you presented is negligible, and the offensive capabilities is where the extra money spent would end up serving.
In fact Cleveland Romy has been quite poor defensively at 2nd and Campbell was unplayable defensively at second. I would think if the Red Sox don’t add anyone Sogard might be the choice. There would be a massive defensive difference with Bregman at third and Mayer at second or Mayer at third and Bichette at second vs Mayer at third and Gonzales at second. Offensively it’s a massive difference to have either Bregman or Bichette in the two hole.
@Bruin1012
What makes you think that Romy is ‘quite poor’ at 2nd? He was a SS at one point (0 OAA) with 836 innings at 2nd (-2 OAA) and has seemed fine over there each time I’ve watched.
Could you be thinking about 3rd? He has -5 OAA in only 117.2 innings and looks even worse when watching him. My main concern about signing Bichette is that if Mayer gets hurt, the 3rd base options are pretty awful.
Agreed Briun. Early and Tolle will help to make their rotation very good. They need to focus more on the infield.
What makes you think that Romy is ‘quite poor’ at 2nd?
=======================
IMO, he was light years better last year than in 2024. In 2024, it looked like he had never even played the IF before, let alone 2B. In 2025, I barely noticed his fielding.
The Red Sox need a Power Infusion and the quickest way to that end is to sign Geno Suarez. .235 avg with 40+ HR and 120 RBI would be a nice addition, no? And you could get him for only a two-year contract. And then Donovan or Bichette for 2nd base? Would really emphasize the need for more power though.
Bruin1012 — “massive defensive difference” seems a stretch of the reality here.
You clearly believe the need is for more offensive output, hence why you are suggesting $30M AAV free agent signing.
What suggests the offense needs more output? I only ask because the front office sent away that exact player for salary relief and for the most part the team held fairly well.
Yes but the Red Sox did have Bregman last year and it’s a big downgrade to go from Bregman offensively to Mayer offensively imo. I’m not sure who slides into the two hole slot with the current players on the current roster. Any one of the rumored guys Bregman, Bichette, Donavan, or Parades slide nicely into that two hole.
Bruin1012 — I thought the Contreras trades intention was this point. Anyway what you say is reasonable. However, is signing someone for $30AAV the only way to address this gap? For example, could they sign Suarez for $20 AAV on a shorter deal and come away with similar or better offensive production?
the leadship aspect is nice but shouldn’t be reason to over extend for bregman. Apparently Contreras is great leader too so that should help fill whatever leadership is lost if bregman goes elsewhere.
Duffy – this isn’t about your post, but its a nice lead-in for my comment. Everyone couldn’t wait to show Devers the door last off season.
Now, we’re looking at tge bottom of the barrel at 3B, talking about a longterm contract for a player thats currently not as good offensively, is three years older, and people are already thinking about moving to another position.
Someone should tell Breslow that there’s no award for ‘Most Twisted Use of First Tax Threshold Money and 40 Man Roster Spots’.
The dominoes of that fateful mistake to bring in Bregman for one year are still falling.
Im sorry, but I’ve been saying this for 14 months now. There is no plan! I’ll say it again, there is no plan!
Are we playing the kids? Are we not playing the kids? Are we building a solid rotation behind Crochet, are we letting Gray and Oviedo pitch there? Are we rotating four OFs? Are we trading an OF?
The waiting around is not a sign of some sort of shrewdness….its an indecision of epic proportions, and the hope for some sort of bargain (whether thats years or dollars).
Why all the statistical gymnastics to prove what a savvy move it is to bring in a 34yo, maybe 20hr former catcher to play first base?
ANSWER ONE QUESTION….IS THIS OUR CHAMPIONSHIP WINDOW OR NOT?
if yes, why are we toying around the edges? why didnt you know that last season? Why are you letting the competition get considerably better and you are not?
If the answer is no, then congrats, youre doing great, just keeping doing what youre doing
Sad.Sox 3: you make a lot of good points. One thing on Devers – the previous front office is the one who extended him. I get that Breslow and Co. are the ones who brought in Bregman and started a domino effect. But Breslow and Co. must have felt Devers wasn’t the answer long term at third base. And I think at this point we don’t exactly know what transpired behind scenes, but apparently the relationship between team and player were beyond repair.
So now, what’s next. And I agree, it feels a bit directionless. The Red Sox seem to be trying to thread a very fine line: compete in 2026 for a title without mortgaging the future. They want to keep the kids and play them, and bring in additional talent to improve the team. And I think they’ve done that.
I’m not trying to be an apologist for the front office, because they’ve had missteps and are trying to have their cake and eat it too. But I do appreciate that they’ve made improvements without dealing any of their top tier youngsters.
Right now, the Red Sox are somewhere between the 3rd and 5th best team in the AL. Good enough to make the playoffs. Good enough for the World Series? Not sure on that one yet.
Duffy – you did a fine job in moderating my comment and mood! You made many good points with which i dont disagree.
Here’s where we differ. The players they’ve brought in are good enough to add to a division winning team looking to make an ALCS and beyond. I like Gray, less so Contreras, but he’s useful. To me jury is out on what Oviedo is.
This was a third place team. And in the last 14 months lost a great offensive talent, AND, the chosen replacement for that player. Then, took one more step down the ladder and traded for an even worse offensive player. Always one step forward, one step back
Why are we stockpiling a bunch of really good prospects and rookies and then keeping them in some sort of weird purgatory where the team cannot commit to them playing anywhere? Is Mayer a 3B or a 2B? Shouldn’t he be a SS, and, shouldn’t Story be the guy sliding over at this point in his career? Campbell?
Is Early ready? Then what is happening with Sandoval and why trade for Oviedo.
I know the Ivy Leaguers are all enthralled with the non-commital-ness of it all. But it stinks of no rhyme or reason. Yes, depth is necessary, of course. But this obsession with “value” over “talent” doesnt get you there. Otherwise we’d be talking about all the championships the Rays have won over the last ten years…..
Only a fool would jump at Boras’ initial asking price for Bregman. So, it looks like teams are waiting out Boras. That is not indecision.
Suit- teams that are serious about their business did what they had to do. Among them: Blue Jays, Orioles, Phillies….
Boras doesnt represent every free agents.
The Sox have a weird inconsistent churn on their roster. I think we can all agree that POBOs and GMs are usually wrong more than right. Why are you inviting more personnel moves than you need to make?
Lots of good points Sad.Sox! I do wonder if plans at least on the infield changed due to Campbell’s lack of ability to play 2B, compounded by Story returning to the team. It leaves Mayer without a really defined position.
Purgatory is a good word honestly for where this whole team is, and a lot of herky-jerky movements. Crochet and Anthony’s extensions seem to be more of an eye to the future. But moves for Contreras and Gray are more short team. They have to be “going for it”, right? Otherwise, why make those moves?
This whole offseason has left me feeling “good”, but not great. Those players seem genuinely excited to be here, which I love. But I’m just waiting for that move that really shows me they’re really going for it. Because that’s gotta be the plan.
Duffy – yes, the moves made so far are fine, or nice. Im actually higher on the Gray move than most.
Anthony, Duran, Rafaele, Abreu could quite possibly be top OF in mlb. A healthy Story for 130 games, even at his age is useful. I’d prefer at this point he play 2B. Mayer at SS.
Crochet is top 3 SP. The Gray, Bello, Oviedo, Early, Sandoval bucket is good enough. (Tolle intentionally left out because he doesnt seem 100% ready).
To me “going for it this year meant one of two options:
– Pete Alonso w/ Gray, in house 2B and 3B
OR
– availability,dealers choice of Peralta, Alcantara, Ryan w/ Contreras or Suarez
From the end of the season Breslow acknowledged TOR starter behind Crochet and RH power bat.
He didnt get both
He didnt get one and 2nd tier on the other
He went mediocre on both and not top tier for either. Lets not wear rose colored glasses. This was a 3rd place team last year. We seem to have replaced Bregman with Contreras and Giolito with Gray. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays got better, the Orioles got better, and even if the Yankees dont bring back Bellinger, they’re getting back Gerit Cole (and we no longer have his kryponite). Other than a full season of Anthony (which i am very excited about) I dont see great progress.
Bring back Bregman and let the rest sort itself out
Yeah Bregman’s the easiest move here. Pay the man and you got yourself a heck of a contender.
No to 6 years, maybe 3/90
Signing Bregman would be the best move for 20-25 teams…
Donovan is under contract for one year at $6 million. Bregman would be great, but not at 6/$180+. K. Marte is not a “clubhouse guy” according to what I read and will be 37 at the end of his $100 million contract. He is not worth giving up Tolle or Early. B. Bichette can be great at 2B, but he is going to cost a lot, which will impact what the Sox will do in the coming years. I say Boston gives M. Mayer a chance to stay healthy and play everyday before we trade away any more of our assets and/or overpay to sign a free agent.
I thought Donovan had 2 years left. He would cost us possibly Early but I’d rather Valera and Campbell for him
Early or Tolle for Donovan is idiocy. I do Campbell…as the OF is covered for quite some time between the minors and majors. We have Arias and a few other INF on the farm. But Trading 6 hears of young pitching or even Witherspoon is a hard NO here.
But what if they added remero with donovan. So donovan and remero for yoshida(his whole contract) early or tolle, and Casas or Campbell? Cards throw another lower tiered minor leaguer in there. Would save Boston alittle but if money in case they did want to go after bregman or bichette too
If they send Tolle or Early away it had better be for someone better than Donovan.
The Cardinals didn’t win STL, no reason to believe they will in Boston.
@fenway monster
Red Sox seem to be quite involved on almost every IF. It seems to show little confidence in their minor league system. They signed Campbell, but don’t seem to have any plans for him. They don’t seem to have a concrete plan for Mayer, either. Do they want him at 3B or 2B? Will he even be the starter? Then the fans seem to feel these home growns, who they want to be replaced by older, more expensive FAs, while not being good enough to play for them, should bring back TOR starters. When you dismiss your own prospects, they won’t be valued highly by others (True for Casas, too.)
@Stymeedone
Campbell was always a questionable choice at 2B but he’s a full time OFer now. He should be competing for a back up outfield spot with Nate Eaton in spring training. Hopefully he’s improved at hitting Sinkers/Splitters/Cutters.
Mayer is starting for the Red Sox. He’s a SS but he’ll play either 2B/3B this year and possibly take over for Story in two years – his defensive flexibility is the reason the Red Sox are looking at all of the infield bats. There is a ton of high upside pitching in the prospect pipeline, but not as much hitting – Arias (SS) is the only guy who looks confidentially like a starter at this point and he’s still ~2 years away.
Nobody with a brain thinks Casas or Campbell would fetch a TOR pitcher and I haven’t seen anyone propose that. The Red Sox were asked for Mayer in exchange for a TOR pitcher last off-season and they refused.
Stymeedone – youre 100% right. The Red Sox are obsessed with positional versatility, to the point that they are hurting more players than helping, by moving them so early and often.
Consistency and continuity can be just as important in a kid’s develolment as the willingness to stand on the field at various positions.
The thing is no one was worried about his position when he was rocketing up the minors. He has always been a Jack of all trades and master of none defensively. His floor is a complete bust if he doesn’t hit it’s always been the bat with him. Before he broke out in 2024 he was barely a top 30 prospect in the system. I think he figures it out and hits and if he does then they will find spots for him.
The Red Sox acquiring Marte would be nice. Not really interested if either Tolle or Early have to be included.
Mayer, Witherspoon and Tolle. I think thats reasonable.
Absolutely unreasonable
Are you serious? Mayer, Early, and Campbell maybe or maybe add Uberstine
The moment Boston signed Campbell, he lost all trade value. He’s their version of Scott Kingery.
Scott Kingery was never minor league player of the year. That was a terrible comparison.
The red sox would be foolish to trade any one of those players in a deal for Marte let alone all 3.
Are you high? No lol Put the crack down
That is insane.
Yea Marte is going to cost too much and I’m not trading Early or Tolle for him. It’s not that his stats don’t say he’s worth it. I just question how he ages and that’s a lot of talent of controlled young talent to give up.
You’ve gotta give to get. Marte is among the best players in the game. Tolle makes sense as a headliner going to the Dbacks.
He’s also 32 and locked in at 2B. Good contract or not, the sox shouldn’t put themselves on the hook for his decline.
Yeah it only makes sense for the DBacks
This is a game of leverage. If the Dbacks want out of the contract, their leverage shrinks day after day a deal doesn’t get done. The no trade list Marte released didn’t help them one bit. Hence why rumors have fallen flat. Red Sox can sit around having their friends write pieces that lessen Dbacks leverage with new names, who are cheaper or easier to acquire.
At this point, it’s about whether the Dbacks are going to blink. And take less to get out from Marte’s contract and a full no-trade clause from activating.
Personally, I wouldn’t include Tolle in a trade for Parades, but I would for Marte (although I’d have to do my due diligence regarding his clubhouse issues). Meanwhile, Brown can say all he wants regarding not moving Parades but he almost has to, if the offers fit. Parades is blocked at 1st and 3rd.
Tolle is going to be good, really good-don’t trade Early or Tolle
You have to GIVE something to GET something
That doesn’t mean you should GIVE more than something is worth to GET it.
Nolan Arenado for Jordan Hicks.
No
Arenado for Yoshida and Uberstine or Campbell
I really dont know who Uberstine is. Arenado for Yoshida and Phillips. That seems reasonable to me. Campbell scares me.
Yoshida bats from the wrong side of the plate to benefit STL.
Well the Cardinals could trade at least 2 of Donovan, Nootbaar and Burleson. That would help.
I would be shocked if they trade Burleson and mildly surprised if anyone would trade for Nootbaar, that surgery is no joke.
Why would trading Kristian Campbell be a tough pill to swallow? He doesn’t have a spot in the lineup, and this pursuit of another veteran infielder is largely due to Campbell not locking down second base. Maybe his future is in the outfield, but it’s crowded out there.
It’s admitting defeat giving him the extension
Ah, I forgot about the extension. That also complicates things in trying to move him.
Giving Campbell an extension helps his trade value not hurt it. Especially in the small sample size and meteoric rise through the pharmacy system. His ceiling nor floor is remotely established this early. There are upside skills there for sure.
@baseballguru
Campbell is not currently an MLB caliber player but is guaranteed 59mil over the next 7 seasons. Not many teams out there willing to take that gamble. Think you may have spent a bit too much time in that pharmacy system yourself.
Bregman is good, not great, and he’s not young. It’s questionable that he’ll deliver value commensurate with his purchase price. But maybe the Red Sox don’t care–they may see themselves on the cusp, and a bit of overpayment isn;’t relevant,
There’s that, Mike, plus don’t discount the value that he brings to the clubhouse. Breslow already displayed how much that matters to him when he got rid of Devers.
3/90 is what Breslow should offer-tops
And there’s zero chance Bregman accepts that
These articles by Sox beat writers are likely just an attempt to get Bregman’s price down. But I’m sure they will hold out as long as possible for that 5 or 6-year deal. I don’t think Boston or Cubs will ever do that and it sounds like Detroit won’t either (though they did last year)..So maybe Arizona if they can first move Marte?
I forgot the Blue Jays but even with them being willing to spend, I feel like their priority is Bo. I don’t know that they would sign both but it’s possible I suppose. Not likely, however.
Doubt it because they would almost certainly have to move Marte and the big money owed deep into his 30’s to one of these teams that are not keen on paying Bregman big money deep into his 30’s. Getting one of them to take on the type of deal they’re obviously queasy about would probably require either AZ taking on a bad contract, eating some of Marte’s salary, or accepting a return that doesn’t fully value how good Marte is right now. I don’t see any reason why they’d want to do any of those things just to turn around and also hand a big contract to Bregman.
The Dbacks are also facing Marte reaching the 10 and 5, where the full no-trade clause activates. This is the last best chance they have to move the contract and get value in return for Marte.
Hence, there isn’t really any rush by the market to settle on a deal. The longer this draws out, the closer the wall closes in on Dbacks.
I will never understand the mindset of paying a guy a huge contract to play out of position.
Sure he can say he can do it, doesn’t mean he can, and then you either have to suffer with a bad glove (or worse, it affecting his hitting) or you have to move him somewhere else, which is not what you wanted to do in the first place..All the while paying him a huge amount on money.
Nrd1138 – AMEN!!!!! The idea that the first thing a team wants to do is move someone makes me laugh. Some players can play anywhere. Many,many more have honed their craft to play a position very well. Some have large egos and dont want to have their fielding be exposed by changing positions. Everyone is so concerned about money, what’s the best value, this always seems like a waste. The Mets just signed a player that’s played exactly 1 game at 1B and at the presser says, “he’s our primary first baseman” Ludicrous.
Sometimes it works out very well. Just look at the Giants first baseman for example.
Ramos – youre right! Worked out great for the Giants (to be fair, the transition was underway)
I’m not sure the transition began before arriving in SF. But I wasn’t really paying attention to what Boston was doing before that, so I might not be the most informed on that.
Ramos – Moving from 3B to 1B is a very natural transition, one that many 3B have made in the past.
Red Sox have known since he was a teenager that his ideal position was 1B, but he wanted to play 3B and they let him.
I’m aware that many have made the transition from the hot corner to the cold corner. Devers sure didn’t seem willing to do that in Boston though. That’s literally why they traded him.
Ramos – I understand the misconception that Raffy was simply against playing first. He refused only because all offseason the Red Sox assured him he would be playing 3B this year, then in ST they told him to throw away his glove because he wouldn’t be playing the field again – not even as a backup.
Raffy was insulted and disrespected by the way they treated him, that’s why he refused.
Before the last WBC the DR manager wanted Raffy to play first base and Raffy was all for it ….. but Cora refused to allow it.
espndeportes.espn.com/beisbol/nota/_/id/11728656/r…
FPG- I didnt remember that WBC story at all, thanks
Sad – You’re welcome. It didn’t get much publicity, but it stuck with me because not letting him play first base made no sense and I wanted him to gain the experience.
I understand all the nuances surrounding the situation. I don’t need to be spoon fed them like a baby.
Ramos – Well you said you didn’t know, remember?
“But I wasn’t really paying attention to what Boston was doing before that, so I might not be the most informed on that.”
Regardless, I’m very detail-oriented and thorough in all of my posts so you shouldn’t take it personally or in a negative way.
Best of luck to your Giants, if he can stay healthy I think Raffy will have a huge year.
If you’re very detail oriented you should notice that I never said that I ‘do not know any of the nuances’. I certainly left the door open for the fact that some other people might know more.
I typically don’t take anything personally. I didn’t perceive it in a negative way either.
I agree that Raffy should (hopefully) have a great season next year. Hopefully more after that too.
As A Jay’s fan I certainly hope Bo doesn’t sign with anyone but us. He has an ops over 900 at fenway for his career.
block buster trade idea here: orioles give up Rutschman, Henderson, Mountcastle, Kremer, and Bautista and receive Story, Carlos Narváez, and Crochet; 5 for 3
Don’t be redic…
Crochet through 2031!
Orioles are not trading Gunner Henderson let alone in that deal
They should, definitely should, doubt if he stays after hitting FAgency.
@MLB THAT’S what you think is wrong with this proposal?
I like mangoes!
Everything was wrong with that proposal, LOL
Genius is often misunderstood at first, I definitely see ME reviewing this and running it by Sig
Or the should contact the dodgers for Alex freeland or hyesong kim
Could we interest you in Gavin Lux?
Depends. Would you accept Yoshida?
Marte is not being shopped around. The D’backs will listen to offers but have to be blown away to trade him.
The writers and fans thinking he’s available because the team isn’t a contender, are wrong. The D’backs consider themselves contenders. I look at the team and see a lot of holes but they see a lot of opportunities. If he’s traded it will be for a bunch. I don’t see it happening.
The 10 and 5 rights are gonna kick in if they hold him, after which they will be holding the bag likely for the remainder of the contract.
Well, we’ve heard them wanting Teel back. Maybe we hear they want Meidroth, too.
I have heard that Ketel Marte is available but the Snakes want both players that will help in 2026 and top prospects, so it is unlikely another team will meet this high ask
Paredes is unworthy of Tolle or Early-Stros should lower their standards to Uberstine or Valera
lol Sure, they should lower their price on a player they like and don’t want to trade just so the Red Sox can get another player for free
Aren’t the Astros the one’s who want to trade 2 years of a corner for a premium left-handed starter with full control? Seems like a frog wants to eat swan meat.
No mention of Okamoto to the Red Sox, this must be the player they’re getting.
Only if he’s willing to take 2 years
Roadtrip- hahaha, I feel like you may be on to something. I dont even dislike the idea, depending on terms….
Here’s what concerns me. Story gone soon, Contreras gone soon, no steady playing time yet for Mayer. Is Okamoto going to be the anchor going forward….I really hope not.
If the Sox were truly interested in any if them, they would go out and get them. I think we have our roster other than barely known reliever of another minor league catcher.
Is Story that good defensively that even being 6 years senior to Bichette, he’d be the preferred option at shortstop?
Yeah, Bichette long term will be 2B.
At this point yes. Bichette has been consistently one of the worst SS in baseball but I think he’ll fine at 2B.
I don’t have any confidence that Story will be able to physically stick at shortstop. He was having problems with the throws at the end last year.
The Red Sox need another left-side defender in addition to Story and Mayer. Bregman fits nicely. With Bichette they might want to try him at 3B? Not sure that would resolve his defensive issues, as 2B seems the consensus fit.
having bichette at 2B is fine. Mayer can play 3B and spell Story from time to time at SS.
Yes, Bichette would be fine at 2B, however Mayer cannot play both 3B and SS at the same time, and I believe it would be a big mistake to assume that both Mayer and Story will be available for 162.
Who else do they have who can play on the left side of the infield? Hamilton is fine at 2B but struggles at SS. Eaton didn’t have a clue what he was doing at 3B last year. If we go into the season with Mayer and Story at 3B and SS, then we’re likely giving 400 PA to Sogard – and hoping Arias reaches the majors quickly.
Romy can play third on occasion as well, I’m ok with Sogard there as well (saying he’d get 400PA is a bit of stretch) but it’s not like Bregman has been the paragon of health last two seasons either. Each come with risks but I’ll take my chances on the younger hitter with more upside.. I’d even consider sliding Bichette to 3B if he takes to it.
Romy is more an emergency option on the left side, he is fine at 2B or 1B.
How many games do you expect Mayer and Story to play? Maybe 100 and 130 on average if we are lucky? Could be more if they are healthy all year, but could also easily be less. Has Mayer ever stayed healthy all year? How many full seasons has Story played in the last five?
I don’t think needing 100 games of a SS/3B backup is at all a stretch. That’s why I believe finding a 3B is a high priority, and why I believe Bichette would likely end up playing more SS than we would really want to see.
And yeah, Bichette might be fine at 3B. I like his youth and his bat.
Bo shouldn’t be a SS 2 years ago lol
What would Red Sox fans think of a Bubic & India for Duran deal? I think India could have a nice bounce-back season banging doubles off the monster, but guessing Sox fans wouldn’t like the trade.
India isn’t great defensively and Bubic is about to be a FA so that’s not enough of a return for Duran.
It would laughable and a non starter.
I’ve been talking about the “need” for a Duran trade as loudly as anybody, but at this point I’m not feeling it. First, they’ve already acquired six veterans for the rotation (Crochet, Gray, Bello, Oviedo, Sandoval, Crawford) in addition to three ML-ready younger arms (Harrison, Early, Tolle) and a couple others who are getting close. They could still use an upgrade, if one were to come along, but they don’t need additional SP. And the value of an upgrade has to be measured against diminished opportunities for the kids. Second, Duran is a really valuable player and the suggestions haven’t been commensurate. Third, the Garcia trade has already eased a bit of the OF logjam. They could still trade Duran (or Abreu), but that would leave them vulnerable to an OF injury unless people want to see Eaton out there daily.
If you look at their likely PT, having four outfielders for three spots isn’t a disaster, especially since the odd man out can sometimes slot in at DH. Not ideal, but might be the best solution for now.
Agree with this IDK what the problem is having Anthony LF, Rafaela CF, Abreu RF and using JD to spell all 3 and maybe some 2b or if you pull Rafaela into 2b flexibility isn’t required for everyone once you have enough already on the team. If AC can’t make that work then he isn’t the Jesus manager touted, which I never bought into from what I see on his in game mgmt. Yoshida is a solid stick find a partner eat some $ and go…
Yoshida is a “solid stick”…lololololl….that’s good one…is that the reason the Sox and every Sox trade rumor has them seemingly desperate to trade his butt….
@rocky7
I’ve been following all of the Red Sox rumors and the Yoshida discussion has been eerily quiet.
The problem with Yoshida is that he’s a ‘solid stick’ and not much else while making 18mil/yr. Nobody wants that.
What part of ‘solid stick’ did you not understand?
lmao
That’s a good one! Please, tell us another one!
Bubic + Jensen for Duran could get it done. The Red Sox could then trade Bello+ for a an infield bat. Jensen has big upside and fills an underreported hole on the Red Sox team.
Red Sox already have a superior in-house option to India (Romy). I’m not sure if any team would be willing to take India on that contract.
WCSoxFan – Jensen is KCs top prospect and possible starting Catcher in a platoon with a DHing Perez. Don’t think they’re tossing him in any deal as add on……
Not as an add-on, he’d be the main piece. Don’t think they can afford to have Perez primarily DH as they have two 1st basemen already.
To me, Jensen is the lowest valued asset that KC has which could still headline a Duran deal. Otherwise there’s no chance of a deal getting done. (as Ragans, and of course Garcia, are clearly off the table)
Don’t get me wrong, Ragans would be great, but not sure the Red Sox really want another LHP. At this rate they’ll have only LHP with Crochet, Tolle, Early, and Sandoval (and Drohan, Harrison and Bennett in the wings).
@ClevelandSteel
The Ragans discussion dates back to the beginning of the off-season when the Red Sox asked for Ragans as the return for Duran and the Royals reportedly said no.
The Red Sox still have RHPs Gray, Bello and Oviedo penciled in as starters right now with Crawford competing for a 5th spot. Rotation could be lefty heavy in a year or two, but Sandoval is likely gone after 2026. That said, if the pitcher is good enough I doubt they care whether he’s a lefty or righty.
How about a straight-up deal Duran to the Dodgers for Glasnow?? There’s your #2.
You mean Yoshida for Glasnow? Hard to imagine another team taking on Glasnow’s contract without serious salary offsets.
Very interested, er, I mean um, interesting.
Redsox are methodic
That’s a curious way to spell “cheap as hell”…
Cute that they’re still trying to convince us they’re actually swimming in the deep end of the pool. We all know what’s going to happen – we aren’t getting a single one of these guys and they’re gonna spend all spring talking about how excited they are about how good Romy Gonzalez looks in Fort Myers.
What are the winning lotto numbers?
They’re gonna just end up putting Romy out there again next year, aren’t they?
Why is the infield help running away to begin with?
It’s not like they’ve lost any infielders in the past year or anything….
If they won’t give the money to Bregman,trade for Arenado and Donovan.
I hold more hope for Mayer than either of them. I don’t see why you would aquire both.
Is it possible that Bregman ends up regretting walking away from 2 years at $40 million each?
Red Sox can have Jonathan India for free. Just provide him transportation to spring training in Florida
Won’t even pay for the transportation?
And us Red Sox fans call OUR ownership cheap!
White Sox will give ya Lenyn Sosa.
I’ve said for the last month. Paredes for Tolle is a solid deal for both teams. Gold glove quality 3B with power and decent average. A direct Bregman replacement for 1/4 the cost. Pure pull hitter that will smoke the Green Monster. Astros wanted Paredes long term but when he got injured they got a chance to acquire Correa. So Paredes was displaced, even though he was an All Star. I was shocked at his 3B defense and eye. He worked pitchers. Astros desperately need a young lefty, so they’d roll the dice on Tolle.
It leans heavily in favor of the Astros. It’s not even close.
As Astros fan I prefer Early.
Early is great as well. Red Sox hold both in high regards, as they should. Just hoping they’d deal Tolle after his struggles in MLB last year during his limited appearances (0-1, 6.06 ERA, 16 innings).
Payton Tolle’s first season as a professional was last year 2025. He went from High A Greenville to the Big leagues in one season. Along the way he was dominant until getting to the big leagues and he pitched more innings than ever. He started with a Fastball/slider mix to start the season but before he was promoted showed the makings of adding a kick change, curve, cutter and a sweeper. They were on the fly last year but showed promise and he’s working on those pitches this off-season. The point is Tolle’s numbers at the majors don’t mean a thing to his value and future perception and I find it highly unlikely he is traded at all. Breslow will have to get desperate to trade Tolle or Early for Parades imo.
“Bregman replacement for 1/4 the cost”
Don’t see how Tolle is 1/4 the cost.
Paredes replaces Bregman in Boston.paredes salary vrs Bregman will be somewhere around 1/4 the amount.
His estimate arb is 9.3 million. That means Bregman is making around 37 million.
And I don’t think he’s as good as Bregman
In what world is Parades defense gold glove quality at third base? I think he’s more of a first baseman now than a third baseman advanced defensive metrics say he’s below average at third. Is he passable yea probably but it’s a massive reach to call him gold glove caliber at third that’s simply not true.
Still he’s a solid player and would probably fit in for the Red Sox at the right price. I’m just not sure he’s worth either Early or Tolle but if Boston and Breslow whiffs on the other options and it looks like they are going to open the season with Mayer at third and Romy/Sogard at second then who knows Breslow may have to send one of his lefty’s. As a Red Sox fan I just hope it doesn’t come to that and they sign either Bregman or Bichette.
I thought the same until I watched him last year. He was every bit as good as Bregman defensively.
Bregman>Paredes
(Defense)
Advanced defensive statistics like OAA and DRS do not agree with you about Parades being Bergman’s equal.
You are talking to Texasman right?
You are correct. I looked at the metrics the previous year and was disappointed that we acquired him to replace Bregman, who I really liked outside the injuries. Once the season started and as it progressed, I realized he is sure handed, has a very accurate arm, and average range. I am not sure why the metrics have him average at best.
How about Nick Castellanos and Otto Kemp for W. Abreu and J. Hicks?
Red Sox pass.
Hard Pass, The Red Sox already have Willson Contreras to play first and Kemp is an awful third baseman defensively. The Red Sox have absolutely no need for Castellanos. You are certainly not trading Abreu for a package of players you don’t need.
The Phillies outfield is also largely set.
What are Red Sox willing to pay for Paredes? Any possible deals between the two teams
Not likely. The Astros want the pitchers the Red Sox don’t have any interest in giving up.
Early and Tolle
Those two are exactly whom the Red Sox aren’t keen on giving away.
Well duh I know
“Did we just become best friends?”
Cards fan here. Take Nolan Arenado and free him to play 3b. He is not what he used to be but still a gamer and a good team player. Lots of money but super short term and I am sure the cards eat some of that and take a PTNL in return.
If the Red Sox acquire Marte, trade away Romy and the Cardinals pay 85% of the contract.
That’s the only scenario where an Arenado acquisition makes sense for the Red Sox. Cardinals missed the boat by not trading him last year – guessing the hold onto him hoping he bounces back a bit in the first half.
I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the Red Sox and Breslow whiff on the better options then I could see a scenario where the Cardinals pay down salary and moves him to Boston in a trade. To make it clear that will only happen if Breslow outsmarts himself and is caught holding the bag.
Last year Bregman and Raffy. This year Conteras and Donovan.????
With that said, most of Mayer’s time in the majors last year actually came at third while Bregman was injured. Perhaps, then, Bichette could be a preferable addition to Bregman.
“Perhaps, then,” Is incredibly clunky. Better off combining these two thoughts into one sentence:
With that said, most of Mayer’s time in the majors last year actually came at third while Bregman was injured, so perhaps Bichette could be a preferable addition to Bregman.