For much of the offseason, Alex Bregman appeared to be an ideal fit for the Boston Red Sox. As a right-handed batter, he would help balance a lineup that leans heavily on left-handed hitters. Additionally, Bregman had shown a willingness to play second base, a position where the Red Sox lack a clear starter. With Boston emphasizing its financial flexibility and commitment to returning to World Series contention, signing an established All-Star like Bregman seemed logical.
However, despite Bregman still being available, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on The Michael Kay Show that Boston is highly unlikely to pursue him. This decision raises questions about the team’s approach, especially after their front office spent the offseason emphasizing a desire to be competitive. While the Red Sox did acquire Garrett Crochet in a trade, his contract remains modest at under $4 million for 2025. Their reluctance to spend on a player of Bregman’s caliber reflects poorly on the organization, particularly given his strong numbers at Fenway Park and 26 home runs last season, even in a down year.
Without Bregman, Boston may look to top prospect Kristian Campbell to fill the second base vacancy. Ranked No. 7 overall by MLB Pipeline, Campbell’s performance in 2024 showcased his potential. The 2023 fourth-round pick hit .330/.439/.558 with 20 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases across multiple minor league levels. While he only played 19 games in Triple-A, he posted an .898 OPS, indicating he may be ready for the major leagues.
If Campbell impresses in Spring Training, he could compete for the Opening Day second base job, given the team’s limited in-house options such as David Hamilton and Vaughn Grissom. While Campbell may not immediately match Bregman’s production, his talent suggests he could develop into a key contributor. If the Red Sox are unwilling to make bold moves in free agency, they should at least take a chance on one of their top young prospects.
