Category: MLB

Red Sox pinching pennies while AL East foes spend big in free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

With each day that passes in the 2025-26 MLB offseason, the Boston Red Sox are losing ground in the competitive American League East.

The Red Sox are the only MLB club that hasn’t signed a big-league free agent this winter. They’ve sat back and watched as two AL East rivals — the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles — spent big on some of the best players on the open market.

Coming off its first World Series appearance since 1993, Toronto has shelled out a whopping $336 million so far in free agency. Baltimore, looking to bounce back after a last-place finish in the division, has spent $195.1 million.

The Blue Jays bolstered their starting rotation with the additions of ace right-hander Dylan Cease (seven years, $210M) and KBO League standout righty Cody Ponce (three years, $30M). They signed one of the top relievers available in Tyler Rogers (three years, $36M) and took a chance on Japanese star corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto (four years, $60M).

The O’s invested heavily in slugging first baseman Pete Alonso (five years, $155M), who had met with Boston before opting for Baltimore. They also reunited with RHP Zach Eflin (one year, $10M), after adding All-Star reliever Ryan Helsley (two years, $28M), and switch-hitting outfielder Leody Taveras (one year, $2.10M).

The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays have spent $29 million and $25.5 million on MLB free agents, respectively. New York has prioritized retaining talent after a 94-win campaign, while small-market Tampa has made its typical cost-effective moves to improve on the margins.

Although they haven’t spent a cent in free agency, the Red Sox have been active on the trade market. They started their offseason by acquiring veteran right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals and RHP Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates. They swapped pitching prospects with the Washington Nationals (RHP Luis Perales for LHP Jake Bennett), then traded for first baseman Willson Contreras in another deal with St. Louis.

Credit to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow for getting creative, but it’s time to start getting aggressive in free agency. Not reinvesting the roughly $250 million saved by trading Rafael Devers in June would be inexcusable.

Alex Bregman, who replaced Devers at third base last season, remains unsigned after opting out of the final two years of his Red Sox deal. ESPN’s Buster Olney recently reported that Boston made an “aggressive offer” to re-sign the three-time All-Star, but if he signs elsewhere, it would leave a massive void at the hot corner. He is reportedly looking for a five- or six-year contract worth somewhere in the $150M-$170M range.

If Bregman returns, the Red Sox can shift their focus to other needs on the roster, such as left-handed relief pitching. Longtime Blue Jays slugger Bo Bichette is the best fallback option if Bregman leaves. The 27-year-old is projected to earn a deal worth around $200 million.

It would be a massive disappointment if Boston’s free-agency spending isn’t at least on par with Baltimore’s by the end of the offseason. There’s still plenty of time for Breslow & Co. to catch up, but it’ll be tough to take Boston seriously as long as there’s a goose egg in the spending category. It doesn’t get much more embarrassing than being in the same conversation as the lowly Colorado Rockies, who finally signed their first big-league free agent (righty Michael Lorenzen) on Tuesday.

The Red Sox will continue to be a punchline until John Henry shows a willingness to open his wallet. It’s an all-too-familiar refrain for Sox fans, who have listened to Boston brass downplay spending restrictions despite acting as a small-market club for the last half-decade.

The Mets have avoided arbitration with David Peterson, who will earn $8.1 million for the 2026 MLB season, per multiple reports.

New York has also avoided arbitration with Tylor Megill, agreeing to a $2.5 million deal for 2026, per Joel Sherman of The New York Post.

In addition to Peterson and Megill, the club has reportedly reached agreements with five other arbitration-eligible players: Francisco Alvarez ($2.4 million), Luis Torrens ($2.275 million), Reed Garrett ($1.3 million), Huascar Brazoban ($1.05 million), and Tyrone Taylor.

Phils set to meet with Bo Bichette as interest intensifies originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies’ reported interest in Bo Bichette is moving forward.

According to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the club is set to meet with the free-agent infielder. Jon Heyman of the New York Post, who first reported Philadelphia’s interest last Saturday, added Thursday that the meeting is scheduled for Monday.

The timing is notable. The report comes just days after the Phillies hired Don Mattingly as their bench coach. Mattingly and Bichette formed a strong working relationship in Toronto, and Heyman acknowledges this dynamic as a significant factor in Philadelphia’s pursuit.

Bichette, 27, is one of the top remaining position players on the free-agent market. Heyman reported Thursday that the Florida-native is “thought” to be seeking a deal in the $300 million range, which could get tricky given the current state of the Phillies’ payroll.

Offensively, he’s one of the steadiest infielders in the game. In 2025, Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs, finishing second in the majors with 44 doubles. He missed the final 20 games of the regular season due to a left knee injury but returned in the World Series, where he hit .348 with a home run and six RBIs — including a long homer off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7.

Defensively, the questions remain. Bichette has spent his entire career at shortstop and struggled at the position last season, recording minus-13 Outs Above Average, one of the lowest marks in baseball.

Second base appears to be the most likely fit in Philadelphia. Bichette logged his first career innings at the position during the World Series. That defensive flexibility is central to the club’s interest, especially with Trea Turner entrenched at shortstop.

From a roster standpoint, signing Bichette would force decisions elsewhere. Alec Bohm remains the most obvious trade candidate. The 29-year-old is entering his final year before free agency and will earn $10.2 million (per Gelb). 

A Bryson Stott trade seems unlikely. He brings defensive value and the versatility to move to third base — a position he last played in 2022. Bringing Bichette aboard would also complicate a reunion with free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto.

The Phillies have not indicated that Bichette is a top priority, but the scheduled meeting signals legitimate interest. With a thin free-agent infielder class and a lineup still seeking right-handed balance, Bichette checks a number of boxes.

Whether the Phillies are willing to reshape the roster to make it work will become clearer after Monday.

Free agent Wilmer Flores still has ‘a lot to give' after six-year Giants tenure originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It has been a quiet MLB offseason for the Giants.

Despite hiring Tony Vitello as their new manager in October, it’s increasingly unlikely the team will make a big-name roster acquisition before the upcoming 2026 season. Most recently, the team added to the pitching rotation in early January, agreeing to contracts with right-handers Tyler Mahle, Adrian Houser and Jason Foley.

One player that will be notably absent from the Giants’ future roster is former infielder/designated hitter Wilmer Flores, who concluded his six-year career with San Francisco and is now in MLB free agency. He spoke positively of his time in the Orange and Black on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” show Thursday.

“My time in San Francisco was amazing; it was a lot different than with the [New York] Mets,” Flores said. “The way I see it, it’s like two different players, starting my career with the Mets and then when I got to the Giants things were a lot easier because I had a lot of experience and I was still learning.”

"I still have a lot to give…staying ready."

13-year MLB veteran Wilmer Flores joined #MLBNHotStove to discuss his offseason training, the free agency process and more! pic.twitter.com/sg5Bj2PP33

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 8, 2026

The 13-year MLB veteran held a .249 batting average with 92 home runs in his six-year stint with the Giants and inferred that he is still in the prime of his playing career when asked about future opportunities.

“My hope is to keep playing, I still have a lot to give and as we know, the offseason is moving a little slow, but you know, staying ready,” he said.

Flores became known for his consistent clutch power-hitting in Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly conditions. His numerous big hits in crucial situations made him a favorite in the clubhouse. He reflected on what he learned from the Giants’ training staff.

“When I got to San Francisco I learned more about what pitches to look [for] and how to do damage,” he said. “When I came up, I was a good bat-to-ball skill guy, I just didn’t know how to generate power; when I got to the Giants, I started using my lower half a little more and driving the ball.”

Wilmer Flores: home run machine pic.twitter.com/QgmDTpl5iL

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 17, 2025

Flores specifically noted former Giants hitting coach, Justin Viele, as a driving influence behind his improved at-bat approach.

“When I got to the Giants, Justin Viele was there, he helped me a lot with how to use my power, I was just using my upper half to hit and wasn’t using my lower half,” Flores praised.

Viele is now a hitting coach for the Texas Rangers, and front office advisor Bruce Bochy’s role as former Rangers manager might have influenced Mahle to join him in San Francisco. Pitching additions are a step in the right direction, but how will the Giants’ front office approach filling Wilmer’s offensive impact?

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

Phillies reach agreements ahead of Thursday's arbitration deadline originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies reached one-year agreements with all of their remaining arbitration-eligible players on Thursday, continuing the process ahead of the league’s hearing deadline at 8 p.m.

Philadelphia entered the day with just over $225 million committed in guaranteed contracts, the fourth-highest total in baseball. Spotrac projected the club’s payroll at approximately $301.5 million prior to arbitration agreements being finalized.

With all of the figures now in place, the Phillies’ projected payroll keeps them near the fourth luxury-tax threshold, which carries a 110 percent penalty on every dollar over.

The Phils previously avoided arbitration with catchers Rafael Marchán ($800,000) and Garrett Stubbs, who agreed to a split contract on Nov. 21. Stubbs will earn $925,000 in the majors and $575,000 in the minors.

Here’s where things stand with the rest of the arbitration class as agreements continue to come in.

Jesús Luzardo, LHP

2026 salary: $11 million (per WHDH Boston’s Ari Alexander)

Free agent: 2027

Luzardo is now a staple at the top of the rotation. He made 32 starts in 2025, led the team with 15 wins and finished with a 3.92 ERA. His 2.90 FIP ranked among the league’s best.

The Phillies have already expressed interest in exploring a long-term extension, making this deal more of a bridge than a short-term commitment.

Alec Bohm, 3B

2026 salary: $10.2 million (per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb)

Free agent: 2027

Bohm’s salary comes amid continued uncertainty about his long-term place in Philadelphia. Even in a season viewed internally as a step back, he hit .287, the highest average among third basemen with at least 400 plate appearances.

At a double-digit salary, he could still factor into trade discussions as the Phillies look for flexibility as the offseason continues.

Jhoan Duran, RHP

2026 salary: $7.5 million (per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber)

Free agent: 2028

Duran’s deal stands out relative to the market for late-inning relief. After arriving at the deadline, he posted a 2.18 ERA in Philadelphia and converted 16 saves, finishing the season with 32 overall.

With two years of control remaining, he remains the centerpiece of the bullpen.

Bryson Stott, 2B

2026 salary: $5.9 million (per FanSided’s Robert Murray)

Free agent: 2028

Stott’s profile remains consistent. He provides plus defense, speed and plate discipline, though the bat remains below league average (96 OPS+).

Late-season success offer optimism, but his struggles against left-handed pitching continue to influence how the Phillies structure their future.

Brandon Marsh, OF

2026 salary: $5.2 million (per The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes)

Free agent: 2028

Marsh enters 2026 positioned as an everyday outfielder. He hit .280 with a .785 OPS in 2025 and provided above-average defense in both left and center field.

He was especially effective against right-handed pitching, hitting .300 with an .838 OPS. How the Phillies deploy him against lefties remains to be seen.

Edmundo Sosa, INF

2026 salary: $4.4 million (per The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes)

Free agent: 2027

Sosa remains one of the roster’s most reliable role players. He moves around the infield, handles left-handed pitching and provides quality at-bats off the bench.

His arbitration number will reflect his usage and his versatility continues to carry value.

Tanner Banks, LHP

2026 salary: $1.2 million (per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale)

Free agent: 2029

Banks emerged as a dependable matchup reliever in 2025. He posted a 3.07 ERA across 69 appearances and held left-handed hitters to a .456 OPS.

At his price point, he remains a cost-effective bullpen option.

Why Javier Lopez was drawn to role with Buster Posey's Giants front office originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — Team executives tend to move around in packs at the MLB meetings held every offseason, and even though it’s been more than a year as an executive, Buster Posey still draws plenty of attention when he walks through hallways with the rest of his front office.

But when Posey was walking through a Las Vegas hotel at the GM Meetings last November, he actually wasn’t the Giants executive with the most rings. 

That honor belongs to Javier Lopez, who won a title with the Boston Red Sox early in his career and then was instrumental in helping the Giants win three in five years. The left-hander is tied with Mookie Betts and former teammate Pablo Sandoval (a member of the 2021 Atlanta Braves) for the most titles won by a player who debuted this century. The goal now is to break that tie as an executive. 

Earlier this offseason, Lopez and Curt Casali joined the baseball operations group as advisors. It was a move that was a long time coming for Lopez, who retired in 2016 and successfully jumped to the broadcast booth. He had been talking to Posey, a close friend, for months about coming on board. 

“When he puts his name on it you want to see him be successful,” Lopez said on Thursday’s Giants Talk podcast. “We went back and forth over the last year that he has taken over as president of baseball ops as to how can I be a value add, and we’re kind of trying this out right now for this year. Not only myself, but Curt Casali has come on board as well. 

“We’re going to just try to offer different views and opinions and kind of just see where that ends up at the end of the day. I thought it would be a nice way to kind of dip my toe in the water as far as front office work and trying to just get the Giants back to where the Giants want to be.”

With Lopez and Casali joining, the Giants have eight advisors to Posey, general manager Zack Minasian and the rest of the front office. It’s a group of people who long have been close to Posey, but also one that covers a lot of blind spots. 

Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker are former big league managers headed to the Hall of Fame. John Barr was a longtime scout, and the man who drafted Posey nearly two decades ago. Bobby Evans, the former Giants GM, provides a front office perspective, and Posey’s former agent, Jeff Berry, can give a view from the other side of the negotiating table. Ron Wotus was the longest-tenured coach in franchise history and also has a unique perspective on prospects since he still works with them at Giants affiliates.

Lopez and Casali are the newcomers to front office life, with one being a former pitcher and the other a former catcher. In initial discussions about free agents and trade targets, Lopez has mostly focused on the players he knows. 

“For me right now, the focus has been more on the pitching side,” Lopez said. “(It’s) just being able to watch a player and have certain aspects come out, whether it’s something mechanical, whether it’s something physical, or whether it’s something as easy as a pitch mix that just maybe needs to get changed.”

The Lopez addition was not a surprise to his former teammates. He was the rare reliever who became a team leader, and he won the Willie Mac Award in his final season with the Giants. Years of broadcasting have helped Lopez keep up with the developments in the game over the past decade, and that won’t go away. 

Lopez still plans to be part of the mix for NBC Sports Bay Area’s game broadcasts, filling in occasionally for Mike Krukow, but his main focus in 2026 is helping Posey behind the scenes. He noted that he hasn’t forgotten what it was like to win in front of huge crowds at Oracle Park. The goal is to help Posey bring those days back.

“This is always something that I kind of wanted to see if I’m going to be a value add — I’m going to do my best to do that,” he said. “It’s just an opportunity to kind of see what goes on behind the curtain.”

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

The Dodgers avoided arbitration with reliever Brusdar Graterol on Wednesday, reportedly agreeing to terms with the Venezuelan right-hander on a one-year, $2.8-million deal before Thursday's deadline to avoid an arbitration hearing.

Graterol, 27, missed the 2025 season after undergoing surgery on the labrum in his right shoulder in November 2024. The $2.8-million figure is the same as his salary for last season.

After being acquired by the Dodgers in a 2020 trade that sent Kenta Maeda to the Minnesota Twins, he turned into a hard-throwing member of the team's bullpen.

Graterol's best season came in 2023 when he recorded a 1.20 earned-run average across 67.1 innings in 68 games, striking out 48 batters and walking 11.

Read more:Shohei Ohtani the most popular player among gamblers last year? You bet

Shoulder inflmmation and a hamstring strain limited Graterol to only seven appearances during the 2024 regular season — though he did pitch in three World Series games against the New York Yankees, including the clinching Game 5 — before he underwent shoulder surgery.

Graterol can become a free agent after the 2026 season.

The Dodgers have three other arbitration-eligible players who have until Thursday to agree to terms on a salary for next season: Left-hander Anthony Banda, outfielder Alex Call and right-hander Brock Stewart.

If any of the players cannot come to an agreement, the team and player must exchange salary figures and a hearing will be scheduled. Negotiations can continue until the date of the hearing.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Here is the latest news and buzz surrounding free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker and his chances of signing with the Mets...

---

Jan. 15, 8:23 a.m.

The Mets have a four-year offer on the table for Tucker, reports Mike Puma of The New York Post.

Puma's report comes on the heels of a report from SNY analyst and SiriusXM's Jim Duquette, who reported Wednesday that it was "likely" the Mets had gone to four years.

Duquette added that there would be an opt-out -- and possibly multiple opt-outs -- as part of the deal.

Additionally, Duquette noted that Steve Cohen is involved in the process.

According to multiple reports on Tuesday, the Mets had extended a three-year offer to Tucker worth $50 million annually.

In addition to the Mets, the Blue Jays have also reportedly made Tucker an offer, with Toronto's being of the long-term variety. There has not been any information regarding the amount of the Blue Jays' offer or whether it contains deferrals.

The Dodgers have also been in the mix for Tucker, whose decision could come as early as today.

Jan. 14, 8:30 p.m.

As the baseball awaits Kyle Tucker's decision, it seems the Mets will have to wait a bit longer to know if they've won the right to sign the top hitter of the offseason.

The NY Post's Mike Puma reports that the Mets are not expecting Tucker's decision until at least Thursday. This comes after Puma reported that Mets brass expected an answer "relatively soon" and that they don't have a read on which way he might be leaning.

New York has been one of the three teams that have been the most aggressive for Tucker's services. The Blue Jays and Dodgers are the other two. 

The Mets have reportedly offered a short-term contract worth $50 million annually, with some reports having the deal be for three or four years.

Jan. 13, 7:17 p.m.

With the news of the Mets offering Tucker a short-term, high-AAV deal worth $50 million per year breaking earlier on Tuesday, the Blue Jays have also reportedly made an offer to the outfielder -- a long-term deal that pays Tucker less per year than New York's offer.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers, the other most aggressive suitor in the Tucker sweepstakes, continue to lurk and have the capability to offer a massive short-term deal as well, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, although no numbers have been reported.

Jan. 13, 8:40 a.m.

The Yankees are "on the periphery" of the Tucker situation, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

With negotiations between the Yanks and Cody Bellinger reportedly at "an impasse," the Bombers -- who are still attempting to work something out with Bellinger -- have been exploring alternative options.

In addition to Tucker and Bellinger, Bo Bichette remains on the free agent market.

Tucker has been linked most seriously lately to the Blue Jays, Mets, and Dodgers, and has reportedly taken meetings with all three teams.

The expectation at the beginning of the offseason was that Tucker would receive a massive deal in terms of both length and dollars. However, it now seems possible he'll opt for a shorter-term deal with opt-outs and a much higher average annual value than he would otherwise receive under a long-term pact. 

Jan. 11, 9:35 p.m.

The Mets, Dodgers, and Blue Jays – the three teams identified as the main teams involved in the pursuit for Tucker – have either "in person or over Zoom," met with the free agent outfielder, according to a report Sunday night from former MLB exec and MLB Network radio analyst Jim Duquette.

Duquette added that this is "part of the recruiting process for a star player," but that it will "be interesting to see" if any of the teams increase their offers to "separate themselves from the other."

Jan. 7, 8:24 p.m.

Earlier reports suggested that Tucker may have to settle for a short-term deal with a high AAV, but one team is seemingly willing to commit to the All-Star outfielder long term.

The Athletic's Will Sammon reports that while the Mets, Dodgers and Blue Jays are among Tucker's options this offseason, New York's preference is to offer a shorter contract. Sammon speculates the Mets would like to make a deal with a length of less than four years. However, the Blue Jays are expected to offer a longer contract this offseason.

Sammon notes that the Dodgers should not be ignored, as they have a history of swooping in and making deals.

After trading Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers, Juan Soto is the only Mets outfielder written on the lineup in pen. Tyrone Taylor and Carson Benge are the current top candidates to fill center field and left field, but adding Tucker would immediately change that equation.

Jan. 6, 8:37 p.m.

Three teams have emerged as the most "aggressive" in their pursuit of Tucker.

According to former MLB exec and MLB Network radio analyst Jim Duquette, the Mets, Dodgers and Blue Jays are the most aggressive suitors for Tucker. However, Duquette adds that nothing appears imminent and there is some distance between the other team reportedly interested and the main three.

The Athletic's Mitch Bannon reported Tuesday that Toronto has increased their efforts to recruit Tucker as he fits their roster construction better than former infielder Bo Bichette. After signing Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, the Blue Jays' infield is likely set, while an outfield addition is easier. Adding Tucker would mean Anthony Santander would move to left field, allowing George Springer to play most of the time as the team's DH.

Jan. 5, 2:08 p.m.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Monday that Tucker's market is "the biggest mystery," adding that he could have to "take a higher AAV on a short-term contract and hit the market again after two consecutive injury-plagued second halves."

Many believed Tucker's market would result in a massive contract in terms of length, with some projecting a contract of 10 or even 11 years. However, that may not be the case if teams balk at the idea of a long-term commitment.

Mets and Yankees target Edward Cabrera is getting traded to the Cubs, per multiple reports.

Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation was first to report that Miami and Chicago were finalizing a deal. 

The return is not yet known, but Jesse Rogers of ESPN notes that it is expected that the Cubs will be sending position player prospects to the Marlins. 

The Mets and Yanks were connected to Cabrera earlier this week through various reports, though Jon Heyman of The New York Post said Wednesday that the Yanks were "never close" to acquiring the right-hander. 

Cabrera performed well for the Marlins in 2025, with a 3.53 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 26 starts over a career-high 137.2 innings. The 27-year-old has sky-high upside, but his seasons have often been derailed by injuries, including elbow and shoulder ailments. Before 2025, he failed to exceed 100 innings in each of his first four big league seasons.

Cabrera will earn roughly $3.75 million this season via arbitration, and is under team control for both 2027 and 2028.

When it comes to a starting pitching addition, the Mets' need is more acute than the Yankees.

While the Mets have a good amount of rotation depth, most of them have question marks attached. 

It is likely that Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Sean Manaea are penciled in right now, with David Peterson also a probable member of the rotation. But McLean will be entering his rookie season, Holmes is coming off a huge innings increase following his transition from the bullpen, Manaea struggled badly in 2025, and Peterson regressed in the second half of the year.

Kodai Senga, whose name has been discussed in trade talks, is another option. However, president of baseball operations David Stearns said earlier this offseason that it would be "foolish" for the team to rely on Senga to make 30 starts or more in 2026. 

Other potential rotation options are Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong (who both got their first big league taste last season) and Christian Scott (who should be ready to go after recovering from Tommy John surgery). 

As far as the Yankees, both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon will be delayed to start the season due to recovery from injury. But those absences aren't expected to be prolonged. 

Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Yarbrough figure to hold things down until Cole and Rodon return. 

Four big moves Red Sox must make before 2026 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox have made a handful of noteworthy moves this offseason, but there’s still plenty of work to be done before the 2026 MLB season begins.

There are glaring question marks all over the current roster. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said it himself: the roster remains “incomplete” after the club’s trades for right-hander Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras.

So, what moves still must be made for Boston to stay competitive in 2026? Here are four big moves the Red Sox must make before Opening Day.

Re-sign Alex Bregman

Bringing Bregman back was reportedly Boston’s top priority heading into the offseason. Yet, the veteran third baseman is still on the market as we begin the new year.

The Red Sox shouldn’t let the Bregman negotiations drag out much longer. His departure would leave a giant question mark at the hot corner and make the Rafael Devers trade look like an even bigger disaster. And outside of fellow free agent Bo Bichette, there aren’t many enticing fallback options if Bregman signs elsewhere.

Bregman, who turns 32 in March, is projected to receive a five- or six-year contract worth somewhere in the $150-$170 million range. The Red Sox have been notoriously reluctant to offer such a deal to position players in their 30s, but they should make an exception, as Bregman was key to the club’s success in 2025.

Sign or trade for a second baseman

The second base position has been a revolving door for the Red Sox in recent years. It’s time to stabilize the position with an upgrade that can help fix the less-than-stellar infield defense.

Boston has been linked to Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte in trade rumors, and he’d be a tremendous addition as both a big bat and a solid defender. Unfortunately, it no longer appears that Arizona plans to deal Marte this offseason. So, how should the Red Sox pivot?

There are limited options in free agency. Bichette is expected to move from shortstop to second or third base next season, and he’s undoubtedly the most intriguing option. After him, you’re looking at names like Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Luis Arraez, and Willi Castro. Not exactly needle-movers.

If Bichette is off the table, Boston’s best bet is to dip back into the trade market. Perhaps Breslow could land his new second baseman by pulling off yet another deal with his favorite trade partner: the St. Louis Cardinals.

USATSI

After acquiring Gray and Contreras in separate deals with St. Louis, the Red Sox could look to pry utility man Brendan Donovan from old friend Chaim Bloom. Donovan is a solid defender with MLB experience at all four infield spots and both corner outfield spots. The 29-year-old is coming off his first All-Star campaign, in which he slashed .287/.353/.422 with 10 homers and 50 RBI.

Katie Woo of The Athletic recently reported that the Red Sox and Cardinals have discussed a Donovan trade, though no deal was close at the time. Boston would likely have to send more talented young arms to St. Louis, such as left-handed pitching prospects Connelly Early or Payton Tolle. If that’s the asking price, it may be too steep for Breslow and Co.

David Hamilton, Romy Gonzalez, Ceddanne Rafaela, Nick Sogard, and Marcelo Mayer are among the second base options already on the Red Sox’ roster.

Add a left-handed reliever

Veteran closer Aroldis Chapman is currently the only reliable left-handed relief option on the Red Sox’ 40-man roster. With Brennan Bernardino, Steven Matz, Justin Wilson, and Chris Murphy no longer in the mix, adding a southpaw or two to the bullpen should be among Breslow’s priorities.

Taylor Rogers, Danny Coulombe, Jalen Beeks, and Andrew Chafin are among the top free-agent options still out there. Wilson also remains on the market after a better-than-expected debut season in Boston.

Jovani Moran and Shane Drohan could step up as the Red Sox’ go-to left-handed middle-relief options in 2026, but relying on them without bringing in reinforcements would be far too risky.

Find a solution to the outfield logjam

The Red Sox’ crowded outfield should have been sorted out last offseason, but it’s still an issue as we begin 2026. With Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Roman Anthony, Boston has four everyday outfielders on the roster. Masataka Yoshida also factors into the equation as a left fielder/designated hitter.

Moving Rafaela to second base is a potential solution, though the defense would suffer without his elite glove in center field. Another possible fix is putting Anthony in left, Rafaela in center, and Abreu in right with Duran as the DH, but Yoshida’s presence complicates things.

Given the outfield surplus, Duran and Abreu entered this offseason as obvious trade candidates. Either one could still be moved in a blockbuster deal — Kansas City Royals ace Cole Ragans was a rumored target earlier this winter — but Breslow seems comfortable rolling into the 2026 campaign with his current outfield. That would be a mistake.

Kyle Tucker is the biggest bat available in free agency this offseason and the Mets are reportedly aggressively pursuing the All-Star outfielder.

Former Mets GM and MLB Network analyst Jim Duquette reports that the Mets, Dodgers and Blue Jays are the most aggressive suitors for Tucker. However, Duquette adds that nothing appears imminent and there is some distance between the other team reportedly interested and the main three. 

The Athletic's Mitch Bannon reported Tuesday that Toronto has increased their efforts to recruit Tucker as he fits their roster construction better than former infielder Bo Bichette. After signing Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, the Blue Jays' infield is likely set, while an outfield addition is easier. Adding Tucker would mean Anthony Santander would move to left field, allowing George Springer to play most of the time as the team's DH. 

Toronto launched the first salvo this offseason for Tucker's services when they flew him out to the team's player development complex in Florida in early December. Since then, the reigning AL Champs have added Dylan Cease, Tyler Rogers and the aforementioned Okamoto in free agency -- in addition to other roster moves.

As for the Mets, the fit is clear. After the team traded Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers, it opened up left field for an outfield addition. Currently, Tyrone Taylor is the center fielder with Juan Soto manning right field. Prospect Carson Benge could play a role in the outfield in 2026, but adding Tucker would give the Mets two lethal corner outfielders.

Of course, Tucker's decision will likely come down to money. Recent reports stated that Tucker may take a higher AAV on a short-term contract this offseason before testing free agency in a couple of years, so it may be more palatable for the Jays, Mets or Dodgers to sign Tucker if that's the way he's willing to go.

Although the Mets have been connected to Tucker, they could also pivot to Cody Bellinger, who gives them the defensive flexibility of playing first base. Bellinger has been heavily pursued by the Yankees this offseason, and while the team in the Bronx has formally offered the outfielder contracts twice already, a gap between both sides still exists.

Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.