What's next in Red Sox's hunt for another big bat?

After bolstering their pitching staff, the Boston Red Sox are still seeking a bat to cap their offseason. Among the names in the mix is former Houston Astros All-Star Alex Bregman, arguably the biggest bat left on the free-agent market.

Although his addition may seem like a no-brainer, there are obstacles for the Red Sox. Bregman, 30, reportedly wants a $200 million contract, a hefty deal even for a big-market team such as the Red Sox (h/t Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic). Also, where would the nine-year veteran play?

Bregman — who hit .260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI last season for Houston —- is willing to move from third base to second base, which could be tricky for a player who has played the hot corner for most of his pro career. 

However, per the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham, Bregman "only makes sense if the Sox put him at third base, move on from [DH/OF] Masataka Yoshida and make [third baseman] Rafael Devers the designated hitter." 

An alternative for the Red Sox could be St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. Per MLB.com, Boston has emerged as a candidate to acquire the 12-year veteran.

But to add Arenado, would the Red Sox be willing to give up first baseman Triston Casas, 24, a potential future star? The Cardinals might want him in any package for Arenado. The short answer to this is probably yes because they would need free space on the roster for Arenado to claim an everyday position.

If this deal were to take place, Devers would probably move to first base and Arenado would take over at third.

Arenado, 33, did not have the best season in 2024, posting a .272 batting average with 16 home runs, 71 RBI and a .719 OPS. But the Red Sox would save money by trading for Arenado instead of signing Bregman. 

Per Spotrac, the 10-time Gold Glove third baseman is still owed $74 million in base salary over the next three years, so he is a cheaper option over signing Bregman.

Only time will tell which path the Red Sox will end up taking, if any, as they plot out the team's future.