Red Sox insider details pivot strategy if Alex Bregman moves on

Third baseman Alex Bregman enjoyed a strong campaign in 2025. Finishing the regular season with a .273 batting average, 18 home runs and 62 RBIs, the two-time World Series winner played a vital role in helping the Red Sox break their playoff drought, earning his third All-Star selection in the process.

On November 3, Bregman opted out of the remainder of his contract to try his luck at securing an improved offer. Though reports have linked him with a return to Fenway Park, nothing concrete has been finalized yet.

According to insider Jen McCaffrey, if the Red Sox fail to re-sign Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso or Kyle Schwarber may be one of the players they pivot to for their home run hitting potential.

"(Red Sox CBO) Craig Breslow, at the GM meetings, was pretty definitive about the top priorities being adding to the rotation, (signing) a starter to slot right behind (Garrett) Crochet, and adding a power bat in the middle of the lineup," McCaffrey said. "To us, that says we're going hard after (Pete) Alonso, (Kyle) Schwarber in the mix as well. Maybe one of the Japanese free-agent hitters as well.

"You need home run potential. They had injuries at the end of the season with Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu, but Trevor Story was their highest home run hitting total with 25 last year. They need more than that and they know that. I think that's going to be the next big priority for them."

"The DNA has to change a little bit" - insider urges the Red Sox to re-sign Alex Bregman

Making an appearance on NESN on Wednesday, insider Lou Merloni spoke about why re-signing Alex Bregman was the need of the hour for the Boston Red Sox.

"You guys asked me a while ago, if you could only have one, would it be a number-two (starting pitcher) or a bat? I said bat," Merloni said. [36:36] "I do think that's where the DNA has to change a little bit in this ball club. Part of that is a guy like (Alex) Bregman, bringing him back.