Building on reports positioning them as frontrunners after the Contreras trade, MLB insider Jon Heyman confirms the Boston Red Sox prioritize re-signing Alex Bregman over Bo Bichette this offseason. Both remain unsigned heading into 2026, as the Red Sox address infield gaps with Bregman's leadership and Bichette's youth in focus.
The Red Sox, who gained payroll flexibility via the December trade for Willson Contreras, continue targeting infield upgrades without major free-agent signings yet. Heyman, on a recent Bleacher Report livestream, reiterated Bregman as the primary focus for his right-handed power, leadership, and market familiarity, with Bichette as a 'fallback.' They’ve also discussed Ketel Marte, per reports.
Bregman, 31, who posted a .273/.354/.468 slash line with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 2025 despite a quad injury, opted out of his deal. Boston remains engaged, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, though a long-term pact could exceed the $264 million luxury tax. Interest persists from the Cubs, Diamondbacks, and Blue Jays.
Bichette, 27, brings versatility (SS/2B/3B) and a .311 average with 18 HRs and 94 RBIs in 2025 for Toronto. Projections peg him at five years, $150 million (ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel), slightly below Bregman’s $170 million estimate. Durability questions persist, despite strong MVP finishes.
Additional options include Marte and Isaac Paredes (Boston Globe), with Trevor Story at short and prospect Marcelo Mayer offering flexibility.