Alex Bregman’s 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox has been nothing short of a revelation. After signing a three-year, $120 million deal with opt-outs after the first two seasons, the star third baseman has delivered elite production at the plate, stellar defense, and invaluable leadership in the clubhouse. But with his agent, Scott Boras, signaling that Bregman may opt out this offseason to chase a massive payday, the Red Sox face a critical juncture. While both Bregman and Boston’s front office have expressed mutual interest in a long-term reunion, owner John Henry’s reluctance to splurge on aging stars could force the Sox to let their cornerstone walk.
If Bregman’s market explodes as expected, Boston must be ready with contingency plans. The Red Sox are in the thick of a youth-driven resurgence, and replacing a player of Bregman’s caliber won’t be easy. Here are three bold options to fill the void at third base if Bregman departs in free agency.
Eugenio Suárez: The Power-Hitting Veteran Stopgap
Eugenio Suárez, the top free-agent third baseman behind Bregman, could be the Red Sox’s most straightforward replacement. A trade deadline darling, Suárez’s 45 home runs in 2025 showcase his prodigious power, even if his post-trade stint with the Seattle Mariners (.181/.261/.410 in 39 games) raised eyebrows. His 28.8% strikeout rate is a far cry from Bregman’s crisp 14.1%, and his -6 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) pales in comparison to Bregman’s +2. Still, Suárez offers a compelling case.
At 34, Suárez is likely to command a shorter, cheaper deal than Bregman, making him a financially savvy option for a team wary of long-term commitments. His struggles in Seattle’s pitcher-friendly park suggest his recent dip might not signal decline, and his reputation as a clubhouse leader aligns with Bregman’s intangibles. If Boston needs a reliable veteran to bridge the gap, Suárez’s power and presence could soften the blow of losing their star.
Marcelo Mayer: The Homegrown Hope
If the Red Sox lean into their youth movement, 22-year-old Marcelo Mayer could step into the spotlight. The top prospect, once heralded as Boston’s future cornerstone, struggled in his 44-game MLB debut (.228/.272/.402) before a wrist injury ended his 2025 campaign. Despite the rocky start, Mayer’s potential remains sky-high, and his development aligns with Boston’s long-term vision.
Handing the keys to a youngster at a critical position might spark fan backlash, especially with the Red Sox emerging as 2025 contenders. But with a thin free-agent market beyond Bregman and Suárez, Mayer could be the best bet. A healthy offseason and a strong spring training could unlock his five-tool promise, offering Boston a cost-controlled, high-upside solution for years to come.
Yoán Moncada: The Redemption Wild Card
For a high-risk, high-reward gamble, the Red Sox could turn to a familiar face: Yoán Moncada. Once the centerpiece of the trade that brought Chris Sale to Boston, Moncada’s career has been a rollercoaster of brilliance, injuries, and inconsistency. Now 30, Moncada is coming off a productive but injury-marred 2025 with the Los Angeles Angels (.246/.350/.474 in 75 games), his best offensive showing since 2019.
Moncada’s injury history makes him a dicey option, but his familiarity with the organization and potential for a one-year, prove-it deal could make him an intriguing stopgap. If Bregman’s price tag soars and Boston hesitates to commit to Suárez or entrust Mayer with an everyday role, Moncada could serve as a bridge. His upside offers a chance to stabilize the position while keeping the door open for Mayer to seize the job if injuries strike—as they often have with Moncada.
Losing Alex Bregman would sting, but the Red Sox have options. Suárez brings veteran grit and power, Mayer offers a glimpse of a bright future, and Moncada provides a high-variance wildcard with ties to Boston’s past. With the franchise at a crossroads, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow must weigh financial prudence against competitive urgency. One thing is clear: the decision at third base will shape the Red Sox’s trajectory for years to come.