The Boston Red Sox on January 10 lost out on Alex Bregman in free agency. Fans are left scratching their heads as the Red Sox don’t seem to have a definitive plan at third base or second base, and we’re barely a month away from spring training.
There are still some decent fits available in free agency, but most rumors suggest that Boston is eyeing the trade market for its final additions. Trading for someone like Ketel Marte is still possible. However, the Arizona Diamondbacks have recently said he will not be moved. The Red Sox have already partially demolished their farm system this offseason, anyway.
So, now we move to internal options. Marcelo Mayer feels like a safe choice for one of those two spots. The Red Sox can get a fringy guy in free agency for the other position. It won’t be the sexiest free agent signing, but it will be a solid veteran who can maybe surprise some people.
I still believe in Kristian Campbell's abilities as a second baseman. Some people in the Red Sox organization have made it sound like they believe that, too. He only played DH and the outfield in the Arizona Fall League, though.
Mikey Romero could also be an option in the big league infield. He’s bulked up over the last few seasons. It’s led to Romero getting healthy and starting to show off some legitimate pop.
How Mikey Romero's organizational stock has risen since the Red Sox lost Alex Bregman
A first-round pick in 2022, Romero has always had one of the prettiest swings in the minor leagues. However, injuries led to inconsistent playing time (and struggles offensively) in 2023. He rebounded decently in 2024 and completely took off in 2025.
The left-handed hitting infielder slashed .245/.300/.452 with 33 doubles, four triples, and 17 home runs in 111 games between Double-A and Triple-A. Romero drove in 76 runs, scored 61 more, and stole five bases.
Limiting strikeouts and drawing walks are still a work in progress, but Romero is becoming a very dangerous offensive player. There aren’t many power-hitting second basemen in baseball. The “Dan Uggla type” is a rare breed. Romero gives the Red Sox someone who can play the position and be a serious power threat in their lineup.
Can he be ready for Opening Day? Probably not. I don’t think that would be fair to him at all. However, the Red Sox don’t have a lot of options moving forward. They currently have question marks at second and third base, and 33-year-old Trevor Story, coming off his first healthy season since 2021, at shortstop. Meanwhile, the expected free agent class next offseason doesn’t inspire much hope at the necessary positions.
With that in mind, talking about Romero as a solution doesn’t mean “he’s going to be the 2026 Opening Day second baseman and hit 40 home runs in his rookie season.”
But Romero isn’t suddenly as logjammed as he was a few months ago. It seemed almost certain he was going to be traded at the 2025 deadline. After that didn’t happen, it felt like a sure thing he would be moved this offseason to help acquire a star like Joe Ryan. That hasn’t happened either. Instead, the Red Sox have lost Bregman, and don’t appear to be adding a big name at any of the positions Romero plays.
Romero could be a capable big leaguer, but there was never a path for him to try in Boston until now. His value was highest to the team as a big chip in a trade for a position of need. Now, Romero is playing the position of need. His value to the organization has never been higher.
It would be irresponsible and unfair to throw him in the majors to start the 2026 season (the Red Sox are already asking too much from young players as it is). The 22-year-old has just 192 plate appearances in Triple-A. While his power was there, the swing-and-miss in his game could use some more minor league seasoning. A midseason call-up might be in his future, though.
We could see childhood buddies Mayer and Romero in Boston sooner rather than later.