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At various points this offseason, it felt as though Alex Bregman was fated to join the Red Sox. However, a new report indicates Boston could be going in a different direction.
On Monday, St. Louis Cardinals insider John Denton reported Nolan Arenado would accept a trade to the Red Sox, who are a “strong candidate” to land the star third baseman. Denton added a potential deal could hinge on whether the Red Sox include Triston Casas and how much of Arenado’s remaining salary the Cardinals are willing to absorb.
Moreover, Boston’s pursuit of an Arenado trade could signal a shift in its approach toward signing Bregman.
“Boston could be close to pulling out of the sweepstakes for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who could potentially command a deal worth $200 million, per the source,” Denton wrote.
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Whether the Red Sox land Bregman or Arenado remains to be seen. However, it’s become increasingly clear that Boston simultaneously wants to balance its lefty-heavy lineup and improve its infield defense.
Arenado is one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball. And though Bregman seemingly could play second base in Boston, he’s fresh off winning an American Leave Gold Glove Award as a third baseman. Bregman also would block top Red Sox prospect Kristian Campbell — or force him to change positions — if moved to second base.
Adding Arenado or Bregman likely would result in star slugger Rafael Devers transitioning into a first base/designated hitter role. It’s hard to envision the Red Sox also rostering Casas in that scenario.
No matter how you slice it, big changes appear on the horizon for Boston’s infield.
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