The Boston Red Sox reportedly lost Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, and they will now look for other options to fill their need for an impact bat.
The Red Sox had reportedly been talking to Bo Bichette, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that he will be the Red Sox’s focus now. However, the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly very interested in him and may be willing to outbid everyone to land him.
If the Red Sox whiff on Bichette like they did Bregman, they could look to the trade market to add a bat. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter suggested they trade for Nico Hoerner. Hoerner was a Silver Slugger finalist last season and is suddenly expendable in Chicago thanks to Bregman’s arrival.
Hoerner is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner at second base. He would be a better option than Romy González. Hoerner is a free agent after next season, so he could be a cheap addition and the Red Sox could hand the keys to second base to Kristian Campbell after next season, assuming he’s ready again.
Hoerner slashed .297/.345/.394 last season. It was one of the best offensive seasons of his career, but the Cubs now have an excess of talent in the infield.
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Matt Shaw, one of the Cubs’ best prospects going into last season, will need a new spot to play with Bregman taking over at third base. Shaw could slot in at second base should the Cubs find a trade for Hoerner.
Craig Breslow has already been active on the trade block this winter. He has swung trades with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. It may make sense for him to call another National League Central team in hopes of landing an upgrade for his offense.
