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Insider Reveals Who Red Sox Want Between Arenado, Bregman

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Feb 8, 2025 3:00 PM ET

Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado? That seems to be what the Boston Red Sox are deciding on, and there isn't a right or wrong answer.

Arenado would be an excellent addition, but he still has multiple years left on his contract, earning $21 million in 2025, $16 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027.

The St. Louis Cardinals have said they're willing to eat some of his contract, but if that isn't enough for the Red Sox, they could prefer giving Bregman a deal, despite that likely being for longer than three seasons, and more AAV.

Matt Geagan of CBS News reported where the Red Sox stand, writing that Boston prefers to trade for Arenado instead of taking on Bregman's long-term deal that the front office would likely have to give him.

"While signing free agent Alex Bregman remains an option, the Red Sox reportedly prefer to take on Arenado's remaining contract rather than dish out the big money that Bregman and agent Scott Boras are seeking on the open market," Geagan wrote.

From the Red Sox perspective, there's reason to believe that would be a better decision.

However, it's also important to note that Arenado has started to struggle in recent campaigns, and despite Bregman getting up there in age, already 30 years old, the 33-year-old Arenado posted just a 101 OPS+ last season.

These are the types of moves that could impact the Red Sox's chances of making the postseason, so the front office will have to pick wisely.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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