Red Sox link to star free agent raises questions about Rafael Devers' future

The 2024 Boston Red Sox's struggles against left-handed pitching have forced the team into the market for righty hitters this offseason.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic posited that the Red Sox should trade Triston Casas to make room for an experienced righty infielder. He listed Alex Bregman as an example. Now, Boston's link to Bregman has been confirmed.

MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that the Red Sox have "inquired" about Bregman's market. Heyman also mentioned the Tigers as interested in the third baseman — if he doesn't sign back with the Astros, Bregman could be in for a reunion with one of his former coaches.

Bregman slashed .260/.315/.453 with a .768 OPS, 30 doubles, two triples and 26 homers in 2024. The veteran doesn't strike out much and logged only 86 strikeouts last season, good for a 94th-percentile strikeout rate. Bregman didn't walk as much as he usually does, though. He posted 87 and 92 walks in 2022 and 2023, respectively, but dropped to 44 last season.

MLB insider Jon Heyman has linked the Red Sox to Alex Bregman

Bregman could help the Red Sox shore up their infield defense. He registered six outs above average and a 91st-percentile range in 2024. If Boston follows Rosenthal's formula and trades Casas to move Rafael Devers to first base, Bregman could be a serious defensive upgrade at third.

However, the contract Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, seek is reportedly excessive. Rosenthal believes Bregman and Boras hope to secure the Manny Machado special — an 11-year, $350 million deal. Bregman is 31, so signing him to an 11-year deal should be absolutely out of the question, especially for the Red Sox, who don't often take risks with lengthy contracts.

Not only are there other, likely more affordable righty bats on the market, Boston could also add some of its own right-handers back into the mix next year. Hopefully, Trevor Story can stay healthy all season and contribute a righty bat and improved middle infield defense. Vaughn Grissom or Kristian Campbell could also earn the starting job at second base and give the Sox two more righty options to work with.

While Boston's link to Bregman may make sense, the costs don't line up. The veteran expects a pricey deal, the Red Sox already have a franchise third baseman and Casas' trade value is at an all-time low after he missed four months due to a rib injury. Bregman would help the Sox's defense and benefit from Fenway Park's dimensions, but a deal may not make sense for Boston, particularly as it chases Juan Soto.

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