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Red Sox Predicted to Cut Ties With Alex Bregman in Trade Amid Uncertain Free Agency
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox are three games below .500 (29-32) and 8.5 games out of the American League East race. While not out of the Wild Card hunt, the clock is ticking on whether Boston will be a buyer or seller by the trade deadline. Following an offseason in which the team made pivotal acquisitions, such as trading for pitcher Garrett Crochet, the front office is willing to steer in a different direction to correct course before it is too late

Among potential options is trading away outfielder Jaren Duran to the San Diego Padres, who have shown interest in the 2024 All-Star, according to Denis Lin of The Athletic . Such a move would likely be to open up a position for top prospect Roman Anthony and bolster the roster elsewhere. Yet, If the Red Sox are open to trading away Duran, CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder asks, who else could Boston consider selling?

Atop Snyder’s list is third baseman Alex Bregman. Although injured at the moment, Bregman is having a career resurgence in Bean Town, batting .299 with 11 home runs and an OPS above 930. He is also locking down the hot corner with six defensive runs saves, tied for second among third basemen, according to FanGraphs.

Trading Bregman would be the ultimate sell-high move, one Boston may want to consider, given his contract status. Despite signing a three-year, $120 million deal this offseason, Bregman has an opt-out clause following the season. If the Red Sox record continues to fall in the A.L. East, Bregman and agent Scott Boras may have their eyes toward another free agency payday – a scenario the Red Sox would likely want to avoid.

On the other hand, by trading away Duran and calling up Anthony, Boston may believe it can give the team the spark necessary to make a playoff push alongside Bregman. The Red Sox are entering a pivotal stretch of the season with nine of their next 12 games being against A.L East opponents, including six against the New York Yankees. If Boston can come out with an above .500 record, momentum may shift closer to adding pieces at the deadline rather than considering selling high on Duran or Bregman. 

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

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