The Red Sox seem determined to make sure they don’t come out of the MLB free agency spree empty-handed.
Boston reportedly is very far along in its pursuit of Juan Soto, but the possibility of the superstar outfielder taking his talents to Fenway Park is not a lock. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal on Monday reported there are five known bidders for Soto’s services, including aggressive spenders like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the pair of New York clubs.
Thus, the Red Sox will have to have a backup plan prepared in the event another team wins the Soto sweepstakes. Rosenthal outlined what a potential follow-up approach could look like.
“At least two of the teams in the Soto sweepstakes, the Yankees and Red Sox, could turn their attention to free-agent infielders as part of a Plan B,” Rosenthal wrote. “As with the outfield market, the demand exceeds the supply, putting shortstop Willy Adames and third baseman Alex Bregman in excellent position.”
Adames, who reportedly is fielding “strong interest” from Boston, probably is likelier to sign with the Red Sox than Bregman. The veteran shortstop would cost less, which would allow Boston to make stronger attacks at its other needs like starting pitching.
That said, it wouldn’t be difficult to justify the kind of contract Bregman is projected to receive. The two-time World Series champion still is in the prime of his career and would provide the impactful right-handed bat the Red Sox really need. Bregman also reportedly is open to playing second base, a position where Boston hasn’t had any stability for years.
All told, either Adames or Bregman would be a welcomed addition for the Red Sox if they don’t sign Soto.
