The early stages of the Mets’ 2025-26 offseason have felt like a gut punch for fans in Queens. First, the team shipped off Brandon Nimmo - their longest-tenured player and a clubhouse staple. Then came the one-two blow: Edwin Díaz packed his bags for Los Angeles, and Pete Alonso signed with the Orioles on a deal that, frankly, didn’t seem out of reach for New York to match.
For a franchise backed by one of the deepest pockets in baseball, the silence following those departures has been deafening. Mets fans are understandably frustrated - not just by the losses, but by the lack of a clear response.
Now, with holes in the roster and questions swirling about the team’s identity, the Mets could be eyeing a splash to reset the tone. That’s where Alex Bregman enters the conversation - and where things start to get complicated for the Boston Red Sox.
According to reports, New York may be considering a run at Bregman, the veteran third baseman who spent last season in Boston and made a strong impression both on the field and in the clubhouse. His defense remains elite - a rare commodity at the hot corner - and his leadership has been praised as a stabilizing force. For a Mets team that’s reportedly had some internal friction and uncertainty around Francisco Lindor’s leadership role, Bregman could be exactly the kind of presence they need to recalibrate.
But here’s the catch: the Red Sox need him just as badly.
Boston’s defense was a mess last season - worst in the majors, with 116 errors - and no position was more glaring than third base. Bregman, when healthy, not only shores up the defense but adds much-needed right-handed power to a lineup that’s been searching for balance. He’s also shown he can handle the pressure of playing in a big market, and his bat plays well at Fenway, especially with the Green Monster lurking in left.
So why hasn’t a reunion happened yet?
There’s growing concern in Red Sox Nation that the front office might be dragging its feet. Reports suggest the team didn’t aggressively pursue Pete Alonso due to concerns about his age - despite the fact that he’s younger than Bregman - and that Boston remains hesitant to commit to long-term deals. That kind of thinking could come back to bite them, especially if it’s impacting negotiations with Bregman.
Then there’s the social media buzz. Bregman recently swapped out his Instagram profile picture - removing a shot of himself in the Fenway dugout in favor of a more neutral image.
Maybe it means nothing. Maybe it means everything.
But in an offseason where every move is being scrutinized, it’s not exactly reassuring for Sox fans hoping for his return.
For the Mets, the situation is a bit of a paradox. They let Alonso walk rather than meet his market value, which could suggest they’re not eager to spend big on veteran talent. But with third base still an area of need - and internal options like Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Ronny Mauricio still unproven - Bregman represents a rare opportunity to upgrade both performance and leadership in one move.
If Boston wants to keep Bregman, the time to act is now. The longer they wait, the more likely it is that a team like the Mets - desperate to change the narrative around their offseason - swoops in with a competitive offer. And if that happens, Boston may be left scrambling for a Plan B at third base, while Bregman heads to Queens to help stabilize a Mets team that suddenly looks a lot more dangerous.