After losing third baseman Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Red Sox have a lot of work to do.
Boston's defensive alignment suddenly has more questions than answers. Marcelo Mayer is projected to play third base, but he may not stick there if the Red Sox sign Bo Bichette.
"That could change if the Red Sox land Bo Bichette, who likely will require a longer, more expensive contract than the one they offered Bregman," ESPN's Jorge Castillo wrote Tuesday, referring to Mayer's future at third base with the AL East club. "With Trevor Story entrenched at shortstop, Bichette would play third base or second base for Boston. Mayer could play the other position -- if the Red Sox don't trade him."
Would the Red Sox consider trading Mayer?
After trading Devers and watching Bregman walk in free agency, it seems like a long shot that the Red Sox would decide to trade Mayer, a rising star in the organization.
However, Castillo reports that the Red Sox are one of the several clubs interested in Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. Mayer, a 23-year-old with several years of control, could be of interest to the Brewers.
"The Red Sox have also expressed interest in trading for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, who is owed $8 million this season before reaching free agency," Castillo added. "Landing Peralta after adding Gray to slot in behind AL Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet would give the Red Sox a top-tier rotation."
If the Red Sox sign Bichette, the most obvious solution would be for him play second base and keep Mayer at third. But adding Mayer in a trade package for a starter of Peralta's caliber could be something Boston considers.
More Red Sox news:
- Red Sox not expected to make major Masataka Yoshida decision in MLB offseason
- Red Sox seemingly make Jarren Duran trade decision after years of speculation
- Red Sox reportedly interested in Cubs All-Star who has played for 10 years in Major League Baseball
- Red Sox considering long-time Blue Jays player to fill significant need in free agency
- Red Sox reportedly showing interest in multiple players amid questionable offseason
- Red Sox update on Alex Bregman isn’t ideal, but it could change soon