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Red Sox Predicted to Add 'Polarizing' 3B After Rafael Devers Speculation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated May 29, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Despite signing Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal this offseason, it is never too early for the Boston Red Sox to replenish third base.

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel recently released a mock draft where the Red Sox selected Gavin Fien from Great Oaks High School in California. Here is what McDaniel had to say:

“Fien is somewhat polarizing as he has medium tools but had a huge summer performance while his lesser spring performance has soured some teams. He was knocking on the door of the top 10 before the spring and shouldn't get out of the first 20 or so picks despite scouts being a bit confused by their spring looks.”

While Bregman will not necessarily be a free agent until after the 2027 season, he has an opt-out clause after this year.

Bregman did suffer a quad strain, which will sideline him well into the summer, but his on-field performance could warrant more than his current price on the open market. The 31-year-old is batting .299 with a .938 OPS and a 161 OPS+ over 197 at-bats. He also has 11 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 22 walks to 42 strikeouts.

He won his first career Gold Glove with the Houston Astros in 2024 and has shown no signs of decline defensively. Bregman never had the strongest arm (albeit a more than capable thrower across the infield), but still possesses elite range and a trustworthy glove.

Should Bregman choose to exercise his opt-out, it would leave Boston with a gaping hole at the five. This is a mind-boggling scenario considering its (should be) franchise player, Rafael Devers, is a natural third baseman.

However, with Devers’ reluctance to leave third base and now unwillingness to move back into the field, there are serious questions about his long-term role with the Red Sox. Can Boston really afford to pay a designated hitter nearly $30 million/year until 2033?

That remains to be seen, but for now, adding youngsters like Fien could be the Red Sox’s safest plan.

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

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