Red Sox Face Key Offseason Questions After Losing Bregman and Missing Out on Big Sluggers

The Boston Red Sox entered the 2025 postseason with high hopes, only to exit quickly after a Wild Card loss to the New York Yankees. Garrett Crochet shined in Game 1 with dominant pitching, but Boston’s offense faltered in the next two games, highlighting a need for more power in the lineup.

During the offseason, the Red Sox had opportunities to add two of the top sluggers available in free agency: Pete Alonso from the Mets and Kyle Schwarber from the Phillies. Despite past interest and Fenway-friendly profiles, Boston was unable to secure either player.

Schwarber, who had a brief stint with the Red Sox in 2021, reportedly enjoyed Fenway Park but ultimately chose to re-sign with Philadelphia. Alonso, a right-handed power hitter and the Mets’ all-time home run leader, signed with the Baltimore Orioles instead, leaving Boston without a major boost in the middle of its lineup.

With those two options off the table, retaining 3rd baseman Alex Bregman became imperative. However, Bregman opted out of his contract after just one year and accepted a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, leaving Boston without one of its cornerstone hitters.

1. Offseason Moves and Offensive Gaps

The Red Sox did make some notable acquisitions this offseason, particularly in pitching. They added starting pitchers Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez, moves designed to strengthen a rotation that struggled in key moments last year. On offense, the team traded for first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals. Contreras provides power and protection in the middle of the lineup, and Fenway Park’s short right-field porch should amplify his value. He also replaces Triston Casas, who battled injuries and inconsistent performance. Despite these moves, the loss of Bregman leaves a glaring hole at third base. Boston is now relying on either a veteran signing or internal options to fill the position, creating uncertainty around lineup construction. The Red Sox front office has signaled a willingness to prioritize power and home runs over batting average, reflecting the modern metrics-focused approach that values impact swings, even if they come with higher strikeout totals.

2. Eugenio Suarez as a Potential Solution

One potential solution at third base is veteran slugger Eugenio Suarez. At 34, Suarez offers power and experience, having hit 49 home runs while splitting the 2025 season between the Diamondbacks and Mariners. Suarez’s profile fits Boston’s metrics-driven approach: high strikeout totals (196 in 2025) are tolerated in exchange for significant home run and RBI potential. He is also a capable fielder, making him a two-way contributor. Manager Alex Cora may have reservations about relying heavily on “all-or-nothing” hitters like Suarez, but the front office appears ready to accept the trade-offs in pursuit of middle-of-the-order power. If signed, Suarez would immediately plug a critical offensive hole and protect other sluggers in the lineup, while also allowing younger players to rotate into other positions without forcing them into a pressure-filled third base role.

3. Rookies and the Road Ahead

The Red Sox also have young talent ready to step into key roles. Outfielder Roman Anthony has emerged as a consistent offensive contributor, while Marcelo Mayer showed promise at third base during Bregman’s 2025 injury absences. Mayer offers solid defense and potential power but remains unproven at the MLB level. If Suarez is not signed, Mayer could take over at third, though this would leave Boston without the veteran power bat needed to compete against AL East rivals. If Suarez is added, Mayer could shift to second base, providing versatility in the infield while continuing to develop his offensive game. This flexibility would allow the Red Sox to balance youth and veteran presence throughout the lineup. With the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Orioles all fielding strong rosters, Boston needs Suarez or a comparable power bat to remain competitive. Without that middle-of-the-order addition, the Red Sox could struggle to replicate their 2025 playoff berth.