For the Red Sox, the situation presents a challenge, though it’s not without potential solutions. After an encouraging start to the season, a disappointing September has highlighted the need for a bold resolution, potentially even this offseason. The team is rich in young left-handed position players, which is problematic given the left-field bias of Fenway Park. Adding to the issue is a lack of depth in the pitching department within the farm system.
Veteran MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has proposed a daring solution. In his column, “Why the Red Sox need to add a right-handed masher in the offseason,” Rosenthal suggests: “Imagine Alex Bregman at third base for the Boston Red Sox next season. What about Rafael Devers? Move him to first base. As for Triston Casas, consider trading him for a starting pitcher of similar quality and service, potentially from the Seattle Mariners.”
Alex Bregman Could Get $120 Million
That’s quite a lot to consider, but there’s substantial logic behind it.
Bregman, a free agent this offseason, could be a challenging acquisition, but the Astros have faltered in similar situations before. Despite a slow start this season, Bregman has posted a .256 average with a .757 OPS and 23 home runs. He would provide a significant upgrade at third base and offer valuable experience as a clubhouse leader.
However, acquiring Bregman will be costly. He’s finishing up a five-year, $100 million contract, and Spotrac estimates his market value at four years and $120 million. With Scott Boras as his agent, expect negotiations to be intense.
On the flip side, trading Triston Casas, who is just 24, might also be on the table. Limited to 50 games this year due to a persistent oblique injury, Casas has struggled to replicate his 24-homer performance from last season, hitting just eight home runs with a .241 average this year.
If the Red Sox were to trade Casas, they would need to secure a top-of-the-rotation pitcher in return. Rosenthal suggests the Mariners as a potential trade partner, with the Cubs or Giants also being possible candidates.
Red Sox Loaded With Prospects
The Red Sox face pivotal decisions soon, with a “Big Three” of prospects—shortstop Marcelo Mayer, outfielder Roman Anthony, and catcher Kyle Teel—all having standout 2024 seasons and likely vying for major-league roles by next summer. Notably, all three are left-handed.
Anthony is rated the No. 1 prospect in baseball by Baseball America, while Mayer is No. 10. Infielder Kristian Campbell, who hit .330 with a .997 OPS, also enters the conversation, ranked No. 24, just ahead of Teel at No. 25. At least Campbell is right-handed.
The future looks promising for the Red Sox. Rosenthal likened their situation to that of the Orioles, who made a bold move by acquiring Corbin Burnes, boosting their contender status.
“How this all will play out is anyone’s guess,” Rosenthal noted. “The supply of free agents who fit the Red Sox’s specific needs is limited. The open market is unpredictable. But after a season of intriguing progress, more dramatic steps are necessary—position changes, signings, trades. No team can succeed at Fenway Park being this left-handed.”
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