The Boston Red Sox are staring down a pivotal offseason, and the biggest question mark remains at third base. After a strong - though injury-shortened - season, Alex Bregman opted out of his contract, once again testing free agency.
And while Boston would love to bring him back, they’re not putting all their chips on that reunion just yet. The front office is actively exploring other options, and they’ve got a shortlist of intriguing replacements lined up if Bregman signs elsewhere.
Let’s break down the three most likely candidates the Red Sox are eyeing to fill the hot corner - each with a unique profile, and each bringing something different to the table.
1. Munetaka Murakami: The High-Ceiling Power Play
If you’re looking for upside, Munetaka Murakami might be the most tantalizing name on the market. At just 25 years old, the left-handed slugger already has eight seasons under his belt in Japan’s NPB, and his numbers are jaw-dropping. A four-time All-Star and 2022 Triple Crown winner, Murakami blasted 56 home runs that year - a number that still raises eyebrows across MLB front offices.
Over 892 games with the Yakult Swallows, he hit 246 home runs, which projects to nearly 45 bombs in a full 162-game MLB season. That’s elite power potential, and it’s easy to see why Boston would be interested. The Red Sox could use a lefty bat with that kind of pop in the middle of the lineup, especially in Fenway Park, where the short right field can be a left-handed hitter’s dream.
But Murakami isn’t a slam dunk. There are real concerns about his swing-and-miss tendencies.
His strikeout rate has hovered around 29% over the last three seasons, and this past year, he whiffed on 41.7% of fastballs thrown at 93 mph or faster. That’s a red flag when you consider the velocity-heavy arms he’ll face in the big leagues.
Defensively, he’s serviceable at third, but not a game-changer.
Still, the upside is massive. Murakami could be a long-term cornerstone, and the Red Sox are clearly intrigued by what he could become.
2. Kazuma Okamoto: The Balanced Bat
While Murakami gets the headlines, Kazuma Okamoto might be the more MLB-ready option. At 29 years old, Okamoto brings a more polished offensive profile after 11 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants.
His calling card? Plate discipline.
This past year, he posted identical walk and strikeout rates at 11.3% - a rare feat that speaks volumes about his approach at the plate.
He’s no slouch in the power department either. From 2018 to 2024, Okamoto averaged just over 33 home runs per season.
That kind of consistency is hard to ignore. He’s also shown improved bat-to-ball skills as he’s matured, making him a potentially smooth transition into MLB pitching.
But there’s a catch: defense. Okamoto’s glove at third base is below average, and that’s not likely to change.
A move to first base feels inevitable, especially since he’s already logged time there in Japan. That positional shift could complicate things for the Red Sox, depending on how they want to structure their infield.
He also missed significant time this year, appearing in just 69 games due to injury.
Still, if Boston is looking for a steady, disciplined hitter who can slot into the middle of the order, Okamoto checks a lot of boxes - even if he ends up at a different corner infield spot.
3. Eugenio Suárez: The Proven Veteran
If the Red Sox want a plug-and-play option with a proven MLB track record, Eugenio Suárez is the name to watch. At 34, he’s not a long-term solution, but he’s as reliable as they come. Suárez has been one of the league’s most consistent power bats at third base, with 325 career home runs and a reputation for durability - he’s played at least 150 games every season since turning 30.
This past season, Suárez turned back the clock with a monster year, hitting 49 home runs while splitting time between the Diamondbacks and Mariners. His power is still very real, and he brings a veteran presence that would fit well in a young Red Sox clubhouse.
But his game isn’t without flaws. The strikeouts are still a concern - he posted a 29.8% K rate this season, which is actually higher than his already elevated career average.
He also chases pitches out of the zone, which can lead to prolonged slumps. Defensively, Suárez has a strong arm, but his range is limited, making him a league-average defender at best at third base.
That said, for a team looking for instant offense and a steady presence at the hot corner, Suárez could be a perfect one- or two-year bridge while the organization develops its next long-term third baseman.
Where Do the Red Sox Go From Here?
Boston’s front office isn’t standing still. While bringing back Bregman remains a priority - and there’s mutual interest - the team is wisely preparing for every scenario.
Murakami offers sky-high potential but comes with risk. Okamoto is a more balanced bat with defensive limitations.
Suárez is the proven vet who can produce right now, though he’s not a long-term answer.
This decision could shape the Red Sox’s identity for the next few seasons. Will they swing big on upside?
Play it safe with a disciplined hitter? Or bring in a power-hitting veteran to keep the playoff window open?
One thing’s for sure: Boston’s third base situation is one of the most fascinating storylines of the offseason - and the ripple effects could be felt across the entire American League.