The Boston Red Sox added the best third baseman available in free agency on Wednesday. But the team reportedly plans to move him elsewhere on the diamond.
On Wednesday, the Red Sox won the Alex Bregman sweepstakes after outbidding a couple of other aggressive suitors. The Red Sox offered Bregman a pretty unique contract structure on top of a bigger average annual salary.
Boston has been linked to Bregman and fellow All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado throughout the offseason. The Red Sox’s fascination with third basemen seemed surprising given that their best player, Rafael Devers, plays the position.
The positional uncertainty following the Bregman signing was soon cleared up by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who reported that the former Astro is expected to play second base at Fenway Park.
Devers’ recent social media activity seemed to suggest that he did not want a free agent taking his spot at the hot corner. The Red Sox likely consulted Devers about the Bregman signing and all sides figured out a way to make things work.
Boston also has top second baseman prospect Kristian Campbell likely coming up to the majors in the near future. While Devers still seems reluctant to become a full-time DH for now, Bregman could eventually slide into his spot with Campbell manning second.
