Why Red Sox are likely trade partners with Cardinals after losing Alex Bregman to Cubs

Matt Sullivan

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Why Red Sox are likely trade partners with Cardinals after losing Alex Bregman to Cubs image

Following the heartbreaking departure of Alex Bregman, the Boston Red Sox need to figure something out for their infield. The Chicago Cubs stole their guy, and now, Boston has limited options.

Finding a replacement won't be easy, though there are a few decent options. Bo Bichette and Eugenio Suarez are the Red Sox's best options in free agency. But if they want to explore the trade market, one name stands out.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com linked the Red Sox to the St. Louis Cardinals for what could be the two teams' third trade this winter. This time, the Red Sox could target second-baseman Brendan Donovan to fill the void left by Bregman joining the Cubs.

Red Sox linked to Cardinals for 3rd time in trade talks this winter

"Brendan Donovan remains available on the trade market, and Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom knows the Boston system as well as anybody, given that he brought many of those players into the organization," Feinsand writes.

The Red Sox and Cardinals have already linked up on two trades this winter. Starting pitcher Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras were both dealt to Boston this winter.

Trading multiple times with one team during an offseason isn't too far-fetched, though it is rare, especially considering that the two trades were for impact starters.

But if the Red Sox and Cardinals agree to a third deal, this time for Donovan, likely the most expensive player the Red Sox could go after, it would be a wild offseason for both clubs.

More: Red Sox linked to frustrating Alex Bregman replacements after Cubs deal

Boston needs a player like Donovan, as their loss of Bregman to the Cubs has left a massive void in the infield that they need to fill this winter.

Bichette has multiple suitors, and if the Red Sox don't want to sign Suarez, Donovan is likely their best trade or free agent option left for the infield.

Even though they've spent a lot on the trade market already this winter, Donovan wouldn't be the worst player to acquire. He won't be cheap, but he'd fill the massive hole in the infield.

If nothing else, the Red Sox and Cardinals completing three separate trades for impact starters this offseason is a funny scenario. It's not out of the realm of possibility, and Feinsand's linking of the two teams for the third team cannot be ignored.

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Contributing Writer