‘Surprise entrant’ is in Bregman sweepstakes with Boston

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox reportedly view re-signing Bregman as a “priority” as they try to add impact bats to their lineup.

The Red Sox reportedly have some competition in their efforts to try and re-sign Alex Bregman.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Arizona Diamondbacks have become a “surprise entrant in the Alex Bregman sweepstakes”, adding that the D-Backs are “kicking the tires” on the possibility of offering up a hefty contract for the veteran third baseman.

Underdog Fantasy’s Jared Carrabis added on X that Arizona is doing “more than just kicking the tires” on Bregman, while Jon Heyman of the New York Post followed up that Arizona “has interest” in the All-Star infielder.

Arizona emerging as a strong suitor for Bregman would stand as a major blow for the Red Sox, who have identified Bregman as a “priority” this offseason after coming up short in the bidding for other impact bats like Pete Alonso. 

Bregman offered up plenty of value last season in Boston due to his pop at the plate and leadership in a young clubhouse, batting .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI over 433 at-bats.

A quad strain hampered Bregman over the second half of the season. After batting .298 with 11 home runs over 53 games prior to his injury, he hit just .250 after returning following the All-Star Break. 

Arizona has a need at the hot corner, especially after trading away third baseman Eugenio Suarez at the trade deadline. The D-Backs have operated as a surprise player in free agency over the last few years, signing former Baltimore/Milwaukee ace Corbin Burnes to a $210 million contract in December 2024. 

According to new contract projections from ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, Bregman is expected to land a five-year, $170 million contract this offseason.

That steep payout might concern the Red Sox, given that Bregman will turn 32 years old in March and his production did dip last season after his injury.

But, if the Red Sox do lose out on Bregman, their options when it comes to adding multiple impact bats this offseason will continue to dwindle. 

One possible domino that could fall if Arizona lands Bregman might revolve around the future of star second baseman Ketel Marte.

Dealing away arguably the best second baseman in baseball in Marte would seemingly be counterintuitive to a Diamondbacks team embracing a “win-now” mindset by signing Bregman.

But, trading away Marte for top prospects or controllable starting pitching could allow Arizona to address other deficiencies across their roster — while replacing at least some of Marte’s bat with the addition of Bregman.

If that’s the case, the Red Soxwould make plenty of sense as a viable suitor for Marte, with Marcelo Mayer standing as a potential contingency plan at third base if Bregman walks.

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.