The Boston Red Sox's need for a right handed power bat this offseason has been well chronicled. Last season Alex Bregman had that role, and his impact was clear. In his only season in Boston, the veteran third baseman hit .273 with an .821 OPS. He had 28 doubles and 18 homers while only playing 114 games after missing about a month and a half with a right calf strain.
Despite missing time, Bregman took the opt out in his deal to land back in free agency and get the long term contract he had hoped for last offseason. That leaves Boston in a worse place than they were last season, with the only right handed bats under contract being Trevor Story, Ceddanne Rafaela, Carlos Narváez, and Romy Gonzalez.
The Red Sox went into this offseason with their sights on a big upgrade, with fans and analysts alike linking them to the top right handed options on the market. Obviously many fans hope for a reunion with Bregman, but many in Red Sox Nation had also hoped for Pete Alonso. The Polar Bear would have been a massive power upgrade for Boston, but that is no longer an option.
Alonso and Orioles had a agreed on a five year, $155 million contract during the Winter Meetings on December 10. It was a massive blow to Red Sox fans, especially after reports emerged that the Sox hadn't matched the contract in terms of money or years.
Pete Alonso was the only other player left that could lead the clubhouse like Bregman
Red Sox are backed into a corner now with Alex Bregman. Bregman and Scott Boras have way more leverage now than they did when Bregman was practically begging the team for an extension.
— Joon Lee (@joonlee) December 10, 2025
Rafael Devers is making less money next year than Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber.
Now, Craig Bresow must pivot, and that pivot seems clear, to ensure a reunion with Bregman. The 31-year-old was key piece to Boston's successes in 2025. Not only was he an impact with the bat, he was a massive impact to the clubhouse. Bregman became a mentor to the numerous rookies that found their way to Fenway Park this year.
The Red Sox need a clubhouse leader, which Alonso could've been. The only other free agent option that could match Bregman's production at the plate is Bo Bichette, but Bichette won't command the clubhouse like Bregman can, and the Red Sox have backed out of his market due to his asking price.
It's time for the Red Sox to pony up the money for Bregman. Everybody knows that he is a match for the Red Sox and they're a match for him. The vet was the start to the Red Sox return to the playoffs, and without Alonso available, letting Bregman leave would be a major step backwards.