Alex Bregman’s 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox was a blend of resilience and production. Despite battling through a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a couple of months, the veteran third baseman still managed to put up a 3.5 bWAR across 118 games. His .273/.360/.462 slash line, paired with 18 home runs and a 128 OPS+, reminded everyone why he’s a three-time All-Star-and why he’s one of the most reliable right-handed bats in the game when healthy.
But now, Bregman’s future in Boston is anything but certain. The 32-year-old chose to opt out of the final two years of his three-year, $120 million deal, re-entering the free agent market at a time when demand for proven infield talent is high.
The Red Sox, for their part, would like to bring him back-but as things stand, there’s little traction on a new deal. And with more teams circling than last offseason, the chances of a reunion are starting to feel like a long shot.
That’s led Boston to explore contingency plans, and one name reportedly on their radar is Eugenio Suárez. The veteran slugger, who split 2025 between Arizona and Seattle, offers a similar profile: right-handed power, solid third base defense, and plenty of clubhouse presence. While Suárez didn’t make a huge splash after his deadline move to the Mariners, he still closed the season with a 126 OPS+ and matched his career high with 49 home runs-an eye-popping total in any era.
In the postseason, Suárez chipped in three homers and eight RBIs during the Mariners’ run to the ALCS. It wasn’t a dominant showing, but it was enough to remind teams of the kind of pop he can bring in October. And with several clubs reportedly interested in his services-including a potential return to Seattle-Boston would need to move quickly if they want to get in on the bidding.
The Red Sox have already made one notable offensive addition this winter, acquiring catcher Willson Contreras from the Cardinals. But team president Craig Breslow made it clear they’re not done yet. Speaking to The Boston Globe, Breslow acknowledged the need for another bat-though he stopped short of naming names.
“I’m not going to get into the specifics of pursuits of individual players,” Breslow said. “We recognize that Alex has earned the right to reach free agency and has decisions and options in front of him. I think that there’s an opportunity to add another bat to the roster and complement the group that we have right now.”
That comment leaves the door open for Bregman-or someone like Suárez-to fill that role. And with Boston seemingly operating with a more calculated, cost-conscious approach this offseason, Suárez could represent a value play with upside if Bregman’s price tag rises beyond their comfort zone.
Still, Bregman’s fit in Boston is hard to ignore. He’s already shown he can produce in a Red Sox uniform, even when not at full strength. And with the team looking to build around a core of versatile, high-OBP hitters, Bregman’s bat and leadership could be exactly what they need to stay competitive in a stacked AL East.
The Red Sox have the financial flexibility to make a move-they just have to decide whether to go all-in on a proven commodity like Bregman or pivot to a power bat like Suárez who might come at a lower cost. Either way, the clock is ticking. And in a winter where the market is heating up fast, waiting too long could mean missing out on both.