The Boston Red Sox just watched a major piece of their infield walk out the door - and straight into Wrigley Field. After just one season in Boston, Alex Bregman is heading to the Chicago Cubs on a five-year, $175 million deal, bringing his elite glove and steady bat to the North Side.
Bregman’s move is a big swing for the Cubs and a tough loss for a Red Sox team that had hoped to build around his experience and leadership. He’s entering his 11th MLB season and, despite some statistical dips since his monster 2019 campaign, he remains one of the most respected third basemen in the game.
MLB Network’s “The Shredder” still sees him as a top-tier talent, slotting him in as the No. 3 third baseman in baseball. José Ramírez of the Guardians holds the top spot - no surprise there - but Max Muncy landing at No. 2 raised some eyebrows, especially considering he’s averaged just 111 games over the past four seasons.
Bregman’s placement ahead of names like Matt Chapman and Manny Machado speaks volumes. Chapman, with five Gold Gloves on his mantle, is still one of the best defenders in the game.
Machado, a seven-time All-Star, might have a legitimate case for being higher than No. 5 on the list. And then there’s Junior Caminero, who rocketed into the conversation with a 45-homer breakout season.
If he repeats that kind of production, he’ll climb the rankings quickly.
One of the more puzzling inclusions is Bo Bichette at No. 7.
He’s never played a single inning at third base in the majors, yet he’s projected to take over the hot corner for the Mets after signing with New York this offseason. There were rumblings that the Red Sox had interest in Bichette as a second baseman, but he’ll be tested at third in Queens.
As for Boston’s search for a replacement, Isaac Paredes - ranked No. 8 - has been floated as a potential trade target. He brings pop and versatility, and he’s coming off a solid season.
Eugenio Suárez, who signed a one-year deal with the Reds after Boston passed in free agency, comes in at No. 9.
Austin Riley rounds out the top 10, though injuries have slowed his momentum in recent years.
Back to Bregman - while he hasn’t topped 26 home runs or hit above .275 since 2019, his consistency remains a calling card. He’s posted an OPS+ of at least 113 every year of his career, and last season, he delivered 3.5 WAR over 114 games. His defense is still sharp, and his plate discipline makes him a tough out in any lineup.
For the Cubs, this is a statement move. For the Red Sox, it’s a gap they’ll need to fill - and fast.
Third base doesn’t just need a body; it needs a presence. Bregman gave them that, even if only briefly.
Now, Boston has to figure out what’s next.