Third base isn’t a pressing area of need for the Red Sox, but it’s probably a position worth monitoring.
Boston’s decision-makers are reportedly discussing potentially changing Rafael Devers’ primary position. That makes sense of Red Sox’s reported “strong interest” in Willy Adames, who apparently is open to moving from shortstop to the hot corner.
Adames would be a nice addition to Alex Cora’s group, but can Boston take a bigger swing? USA Today’s Bob Nightengale seems to believe it’s possible.
“They have scheduled an upcoming meeting (with Adames) and have internally discussed moving Rafael Devers off third base. They could also sign free agent Alex Bregman or trade for St. Louis Cardinals All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado,” Nightengale wrote in a column published Monday.
Bregman probably makes more sense for the Red Sox than Arenado. The St. Louis Cardinals star, whose offensive production significantly dipped the last two seasons, would need to be acquired via trade and is owed $52 million over the next three years. Bregman would be more expensive in the grand scheme of things, but he’s three years younger than Arenado and excels with the bat and the glove. The two-time World Series champion reportedly is also open to playing second base, where Boston hasn’t been able to find stability since Dustin Pedroia fizzled out.
The Red Sox seemingly are more likely to dedicate their resources primarily to pitching. But Boston’s front office is hungry to put together an impactful offseason, so we shouldn’t rule anything out.
