Where Former Red Sox Alex Bregman Ranks Among Third Basemen
He's near the top of MLB Network's list
The Boston Red Sox lost one of baseball’s premier third basemen when Alex Bregman joined the Chicago Cubs.
After one season in Boston, Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs. The All-Star was recognized among his position’s elite before his 11th season.
MLB Network’s “The Shredder” ranked Bregman as the No. 3 third baseman. Cleveland Guardians superstar José Ramírez leads the pack, but Max Muncy oddly drew the No. 2 spot despite averaging 111 games played in the last four seasons.
Bregman ranks ahead of five-time Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman, and seven-time All-Star Manny Machado probably has a valid gripe about residing at No. 5. Junior Caminero can prove he’s worthy of positioning above No. 6 if he replicates last year’s 45-homer breakout.
They’re followed by Bo Bichette, who has never played an inning at third base in his MLB career. After rumors of the Red Sox pursuing him to play second baseman, the longtime Toronto Blue Jays shortstop is expected to handle the hot corner after joining the New York Mets.
A potential Red Sox trade target, Isaac Paredes, ranks No. 8 ahead of Eugenio Suárez, who signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds after not receiving a free-agent offer from Boston. Austin Riley rounds out the top 10 following another injury-plagued season.
Bregman hasn’t exceeded 26 home runs or batted .275 or higher since 2019, but he’s posted an OPS+ of at least 113 in every season of his career. The two-time World Series champion pairs stout defense with a keen plate approach, giving him 3.5 WAR in 114 games last season.
