Beyond The Monster: Who Should The Red Sox Try and Get This Offseason – Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado?
As the Boston Red Sox look to rebound from a challenging 2023 season and build a competitive roster for 2024, the offseason provides them with a golden opportunity to strengthen their lineup. One of the most pressing needs is an upgrade at third base. Enter Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado—two of the most talented and accomplished third basemen in baseball. But who should the Red Sox target to bolster their roster and ultimately push them back into contention? Let’s break down the case for both stars, considering factors like their skills, contract status, and overall fit with the team.
Alex Bregman: The Versatile Superstar
Bregman’s Profile: Alex Bregman has been a key figure in the Houston Astros’ championship successes over the past few years. Known for his bat-first approach, Bregman has consistently posted strong offensive numbers. A career .279 hitter with a .861 OPS, Bregman is particularly deadly with his bat against right-handed pitchers, maintaining a career .295 batting average in those matchups. His ability to take walks (career 12.3% walk rate) makes him a tough out in the middle of any lineup, providing a blend of power and patience.
Good news
Bregman is also a strong defensive third baseman, though not quite at the level of Arenado. His range and arm strength make him solid, but his real value lies in his offensive consistency and leadership. At 30 years old, he still has prime years ahead of him, making him an appealing option for a team in need of both short-term and long-term stability.
Contract and Fit: Bregman is signed through the 2024 season with a team option for 2025, which could make him a potentially cost-effective acquisition in the short term, especially if Houston is looking to move on from his contract for any reason. The Red Sox would get a player who could immediately slot into the middle of their order and provide both power and on-base skills. Additionally, Bregman’s familiarity with winning could help elevate the clubhouse culture in Boston.
However, the key issue with acquiring Bregman is Houston’s continued contention window. The Astros are likely to keep their roster intact unless they receive a game-changing offer, and the Red Sox would have to be willing to give up significant prospects or other key assets to make a deal happen.
Nolan Arenado: The Defensive Mastermind
Arenado’s Profile: Nolan Arenado is widely regarded as one of the best defensive third basemen in MLB history. His eight Gold Gloves speak for themselves, and his arm strength, range, and ability to make difficult plays routine are unparalleled at the position. Beyond his defense, Arenado is a powerful bat as well. Over the course of his career, he has averaged 35 home runs and 110 RBIs per season, and his career OPS of .888 demonstrates his value as a middle-of-the-order hitter.
Well discipline
Arenado’s power is complemented by his discipline at the plate. He’s able to maintain a solid walk rate while striking out at an acceptable clip for a power hitter. While it’s true that Arenado’s offensive production may have been buoyed slightly by his years at Coors Field in Colorado, he’s continued to post impressive numbers in St. Louis, indicating that his skill set is portable and adaptable to different ballparks.
Contract and Fit: Arenado is signed to a long-term deal that runs through 2027, with an opt-out clause after the 2024 season. While that makes him a bit more complicated to acquire, it also means that the Red Sox would get a player with long-term stability if they were able to pull off a trade. The St. Louis Cardinals may be open to moving Arenado if they decide to pivot to a rebuilding phase or if they receive a significant package that includes high-end prospects or MLB-ready talent.
Who will bring glory to Bosox
The Red Sox would benefit greatly from Arenado’s elite defense, especially in Fenway Park, where the left side of the infield requires strong range and arm strength. Pairing Arenado with a more offensively inclined lineup could allow him to shine even more in a protective role, while his leadership and experience in the postseason would be invaluable for a Red Sox team that’s looking to return to the upper echelon of the American League.
Comparing the Two: Which One Makes More Sense for the Red Sox?
Offensive Production: Both Bregman and Arenado offer above-average offensive value, but in different ways. Bregman is a more well-rounded offensive player, with better plate discipline and the ability to generate on-base opportunities. His power is also significant, but his game is more about getting on base and hitting for average. Arenado, on the other hand, is a more traditional power hitter who provides elite run production. If the Red Sox are looking for a player who can contribute to an already potent lineup, Bregman might fit better with his ability to get on base and work counts.
Defense: When it comes to defense, Arenado is the clear choice. His Gold Glove-caliber play at third base would give the Red Sox a major upgrade defensively. Though Bregman is no slouch defensively, Arenado’s reputation as the best defensive third baseman of his generation is difficult to argue with. In a ballpark like Fenway, where defensive precision is key, Arenado would help turn the left side of the infield into a fortress.
Contract Flexibility: Bregman’s contract status makes him a slightly more attractive option from a financial standpoint. With his team option for 2025, the Red Sox could have some flexibility in their decision-making. Arenado’s contract, however, runs much longer and would likely require the Red Sox to commit more in terms of payroll over the next several seasons. If Boston is looking to avoid being locked into a long-term financial commitment, Bregman might be the safer bet, especially with the added uncertainty of whether Arenado opts out after 2024.
