Red Sox Eyeing Infield Upgrade: Bregman, Bichette, Marte, Paredes, and Donovan on Boston’s Radar
The Red Sox aren’t done shopping. Even after adding veteran slugger Willson Contreras in a trade with the Cardinals, Boston remains in the market for another big bat to bolster their infield. And they’re not just kicking the tires-they’re actively engaged with a handful of high-profile names, both on the free agent market and via trade.
Let’s break down who’s in the mix and why each player could be a fit-or not-for a Red Sox team looking to add impact without mortgaging its future.
Brendan Donovan: A Swiss Army Knife with Value
The latest name to surface is Cardinals utilityman Brendan Donovan, who’s drawing widespread interest across the league-and for good reason. Heading into his age-29 season, Donovan has quietly become one of the most valuable and versatile players in the game.
Over the past two seasons, he’s posted a 119 wRC+ and 6.0 fWAR in just 271 games. That’s elite production for a player who can handle just about any position on the diamond.
He’s a left-handed bat, which doesn’t exactly balance Boston’s already lefty-heavy lineup, but his affordability and versatility make him a compelling option. With two years of team control remaining, Donovan represents a cost-effective way to add a high-contact, high-IQ player who can plug in across the infield and outfield.
The competition for Donovan is stiff-Seattle and San Francisco have been heavily linked to him, and teams like the Royals, Guardians, Astros, and Pirates are also in the mix. But there’s an added wrinkle here: Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals’ new president of baseball operations, knows the Red Sox system inside and out from his time running Boston’s front office. That familiarity could help facilitate a deal-if the Sox are willing to meet the asking price.
Alex Bregman: Familiar Face, Familiar Fit
Bregman is no stranger to Boston. After signing a three-year deal with opt-outs last offseason, he delivered a strong 2025 campaign-.273/.360/.462 with his third All-Star nod-before opting out to test the market again.
A reunion makes sense on paper. He’s a right-handed bat with a proven track record, and his presence would allow Boston to keep Trevor Story and Marcelo Mayer up the middle.
The catch? Contract length.
Bregman is reportedly seeking a five- or six-year deal, which would take him into his late 30s. That’s a big ask for a Red Sox front office that’s been cautious with long-term commitments.
In fact, Bregman’s previous three-year deal remains the longest Craig Breslow has handed out since taking over as chief baseball officer.
Still, Bregman’s familiarity with the clubhouse and consistent production make him a natural target. The question is whether Boston is ready to break from its recent trend and invest in a longer-term deal for a player who’s already delivered in their uniform.
Bo Bichette: Younger, But Less Position Flexibility
Bo Bichette is another top-tier name on Boston’s radar. The Red Sox reportedly held a video meeting with the 27-year-old earlier this month, signaling serious interest. Coming off a .311/.357/.483 campaign over 139 games, Bichette is arguably the best infielder available in free agency this winter.
But the fit isn’t quite as seamless. Bichette is primarily a shortstop, and while he’s shown some openness to playing second base, it’s unclear whether he’d be willing to shift to third-a position Boston may need to fill depending on how their infield shakes out. That said, Marcelo Mayer saw significant time at third base last season when Bregman was sidelined, so there’s some flexibility in how the Sox could arrange their infield if Bichette came aboard.
Age is a factor here. Bichette is four years younger than Bregman, which makes a longer-term deal more palatable. An eight-year contract might seem steep, but it wouldn’t carry the same late-career risk as a five-year deal for a player in his 30s.
Ketel Marte: Star Power, But High Cost
On the trade front, few names carry more weight than Ketel Marte. The Diamondbacks’ three-time All-Star has been one of the most productive infielders in the game over the last two seasons, slashing .288/.374/.539 with a 149 wRC+, 10.9 fWAR, and 11.2 bWAR across 262 games. That’s elite-level output, and it’s why teams-including Boston-have checked in despite Arizona’s insistence that they’re not actively shopping him.
Marte is signed through his age-37 season on a deal that still has $102.5 million guaranteed-a relative bargain for a player of his caliber. But acquiring him won’t be cheap.
Arizona’s rotation has been fortified through recent signings, which means they may prefer position player talent in return. That puts Boston in a tough spot.
Would they be willing to part with a premium prospect like Mayer or Kristian Campbell? Or a controllable arm like Connelly Early or Payton Tolle? That’s a steep price, and one that could make Marte more of a dream than a reality unless the Red Sox are ready to swing big.
Isaac Paredes: A Bat-First Option with Upside
If Boston wants to add a right-handed bat without giving up the farm, Isaac Paredes might be the sweet spot. The 26-year-old third baseman has quietly become a consistent offensive contributor, posting a .254/.352/.458 line (128 wRC+) in 102 games last season. Since 2022, he’s maintained a 124 wRC+-a solid mark for a player still in his prime.
Paredes doesn’t have the star power of a Marte or Bichette, but he brings value. He’s entering his penultimate year of arbitration and won’t hit free agency until after the 2027 season, giving Boston two affordable years to see what they’ve got without a long-term commitment.
Houston has publicly downplayed the idea of moving Paredes, but with Carlos Correa and Christian Walker entrenched at the corners-and Yordan Alvarez locked in at DH-his path to playing time is limited. That opens the door for a potential deal, especially if the Red Sox are willing to part with one of their young arms. Both Early and Tolle have been mentioned as names of interest for the Astros, and a deal centered around one of them could make sense for both sides.
Where Boston Goes from Here
At this point, it’s clear the Red Sox aren’t content to run it back with their current infield. Whether it’s a reunion with Bregman, a splashy free-agent signing like Bichette, a blockbuster trade for Marte, or a more measured move for Paredes or Donovan, Boston is exploring every avenue to add a difference-maker.
The front office has options-each with its own set of pros, cons, and price tags. What remains to be seen is whether Breslow and his team are willing to push past their comfort zone to land the kind of player who can shift the balance in a competitive AL East.
One thing’s for sure: The Red Sox aren’t sitting still. And with the hot stove still burning, don’t be surprised if Boston makes another move that turns heads before spring training arrives.