By Shaun McAvoyShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Boston Red Sox need to come up with a backup plan if they are unable to retain Alex Bregman in free agency.
The Red Sox signed Bregman, a three-time All-Star, to a three-year, $120 million contract last offseason. Bregman took over the third base role from Rafael Devers, who Boston subsequently traded away, but will test free agency again after opting out of his contract.
A reunion is not out of the question between Bregman and the Red Sox, but after another successful season in which he was named an All-Star, the 31-year-old will try to sign a long-term contract. If he were to walk in free agency, it would be difficult for Boston to find a player to replace him. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported that the team might want Seattle Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco as a potential replacement.
..."Polanco, 32, still would fit nicely, serving mostly as a designated hitter to protect his health but also playing second on days the Mariners want to use Cal Raleigh at DH," Rosenthal and Sammon reported. "But Polanco, according to major-league sources, wants to play out the market. The Boston Red Sox might want him if they lose third baseman Alex Bregman, the Toronto Blue Jays might if they lose Bo Bichette. And those are just two possibilities."
Polanco had a great 2025 season. The 32-year-old slashed .265/.326/.495, mashing 26 home runs and bringing in 78 runs. Polanco is a former All-Star who can play all over the infield, providing the Red Sox with flexibility in their roster construction.
Bregman remains the top option on the market to play the hot corner for Boston next season. After trading Devers away, it was expected that the Red Sox had third base set for the future. Polanco could be a solid option to play third base, or could even shift over to second base with Marcelo Mayer taking over at third.
More MLB: Red Sox Lose 29-Year-Old To Free Agency After Brief Stint
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