The GM meetings are over and the MLB offseason is heating up in earnest. The league already saw its first major free agent signing of the winter on Sunday with All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor returning to the Seattle Mariners on a five-year deal.
Between trying to re-sign Alex Bregman, add a star pitcher and acquire a marquee slugger, the Boston Red Sox have a lot on their plate this offseason.
In his MLB offseason preview for ESPN on Tuesday, MLB insider Jeff Passan provided several encouraging updates on the start of the Red Sox’s offseason.
Regarding Bregman, Passan reported that Boston is still interested in retaining him despite having an internal replacement ready in Marcelo Mayer.
“The Red Sox love Bregman, who opted out of the final two years and $80 million of his contract, and won’t close the door on a reunion despite having Marcelo Mayer ready to play third,” Passan wrote.
Story continues below advertisement
Boston remains interested in a reunion with the All-Star third baseman, who was an AL Silver Slugger finalist this year and a valuable clubhouse leader.
Passan also named the Red Sox as a team that is “prioritizing starting pitching” and “playing in the top-of-the-market sandbox” in free agency, which includes aces such as Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease and Tatsuya Imai.
Story continues below advertisement
Boston has expressed a desire to add starting pitching this offseason, and Ken Rosenthal thinks free agency makes more sense for them than a trade. That tracks with Passan’s report.
Passan also listed the Red Sox as a team that’s targeting a first baseman, which is where Pete Alonso might fit in. He also said they’re “still kicking themselves” for letting Kyle Schwarber leave four years ago, so a reunion could make sense as well.
Overall, it sounds like Boston is gearing up for an exciting winter.
Story continues below advertisement
Featured image via Jerome Miron/Imagn Images
