Alex Bregman’s 2025 campaign in Boston was a mix of grit and production. Despite missing time with a hamstring injury, the veteran third baseman still managed to put together a solid season-3.5 bWAR over 118 games, a .273/.360/.462 slash line, 18 home runs, and 62 RBIs.
It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why he’s a three-time All-Star and still one of the more reliable right-handed bats in the league. But now, at 32, Bregman is back on the open market after opting out of his three-year, $120 million deal, and the Red Sox find themselves in a familiar position: trying to hold on to a key piece while preparing for the possibility that he walks.
Boston certainly wants Bregman back. There’s no question about his value-offensively, defensively, and in the clubhouse.
But the market is heating up, and this time around, the Sox aren’t the only serious bidders. That’s put president of baseball operations Craig Breslow and his front office in a spot where they have to weigh loyalty and performance against opportunity and cost.
And with Bregman potentially pricing himself out of Boston, the Red Sox are doing what any smart organization would: exploring alternatives.
One name that’s come up in those conversations is Eugenio Suárez. The 34-year-old slugger split his 2025 season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Seattle Mariners.
While his stint in Seattle didn’t quite match the fireworks he displayed in Arizona, Suárez still wrapped up the season with a 126 OPS+ and tied his career high with 49 home runs. That kind of power doesn’t go unnoticed-especially for a team like Boston that’s looking to add a right-handed bat with some thump.
Suárez also showed up when it mattered most, delivering three home runs and eight RBIs during the Mariners’ run to the ALCS. He didn’t carry the offense, but he contributed in key moments-something that carries weight when teams are evaluating postseason readiness.
And beyond the numbers, Suárez brings a presence to the clubhouse that’s hard to quantify but widely respected. That kind of intangible value matters, especially on a team that’s trying to blend veteran leadership with emerging talent.
Of course, Boston won’t be alone in its interest. The Mariners are reportedly open to a reunion, and other clubs are circling as well. So if the Red Sox see Suárez as a legitimate Plan B-or even a 1B option-they’ll need to move quickly.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox have already made one notable move this offseason, trading with the St. Louis Cardinals to bring in catcher Willson Contreras.
It was a calculated addition, giving the team a proven bat behind the plate. But it’s clear they’re not done.
Breslow has said as much, noting there’s still room to add another hitter to the lineup. He’s been tight-lipped about specific targets, but the implication is clear: Boston wants more offense.
Whether that next bat is Bregman, Suárez, or someone like Bo Bichette-another name that’s been floated-the Red Sox are positioned to make a significant move. They have the financial flexibility.
They’ve been methodical this winter, making smart, cost-effective decisions. But at some point, it’s going to take a bold strike to put this roster over the top.
Bregman might still be the ideal fit. He knows the city, he fits the lineup, and when healthy, he’s a difference-maker.
But if the market pulls him out of reach, Boston will have to pivot. And if Suárez is that pivot, they’d be getting a proven power bat with postseason experience and a veteran edge.
Either way, the Red Sox have options-and the clock is ticking.