The Boston Red Sox reportedly acquired Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals, but what does that mean for Alex Bregman?
Bregman was a great addition to the Red Sox last offseason, but he opted out of the three-year, $120 million contract he signed last offseason after an All-Star campaign. Despite the addition of Contreras to the offense, The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey reported that the Red Sox are still pursuing Bregman.
“The Red Sox are still pursuing another bat to add to their lineup, a second league source confirmed, and re-signing Alex Bregman remains a priority,” McCaffrey wrote on Monday. “However, that task has become more difficult in recent days as Bregman’s market is heating up with Arizona and now Toronto in the mix.”
It has long been believed that the Red Sox were looking to add multiple bats this offseason. With Contreras on the way, Bregman could be the second, capping off a stellar offseason for Craig Breslow and company.
Breslow addressed the rotation this offseason as well. He added Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo in separate trades with National League Central teams. Adding Contreras gives the Red Sox a right-handed slugger at first base.
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Contreras has 77 home runs since the start of 2022. He has a .817 OPS in the last four seasons, and figures to be the primary first baseman while Triston Casas recovers from his injury. Once Casas returns, he and Contreras could share first base and designated hitter duties.
Not only does Contreras bring power to the lineup, but he also brings a strong presence with two outs and runners in scoring position. That was also an area of emphasis for Breslow when discussing Boston’s needs earlier this offseason. Contreras hit .344 with a .977 OPS in 71 plate appearances with two outs and runners in scoring position last year.
