Ranking the free agents
There was no parade for the Red Sox. That would have been taking place across the country in Los Angeles on Monday. That didn't mean it was a day to sleep in.
Front offices like the Red Sox (along with their fan bases) were reminded in a very succinct way that MLB has put 2025 in the rearview and is quickly moving toward 2026.
In the Red Sox's case, the most notable push toward Hot Stove season was official news that Alex Bregman would be opting out of his three-year, $90 million deal. It was no surprise, but it should have been a pretty good wake-up call.
What it means: Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, are confident they will find the offer that wasn't at their disposal last offseason. Why? In large part because there is no qualifying offer attached to the third baseman, meaning any team signing him wouldn't have to surrender a draft pick. The path the two are likely hoping to take mirrors that of Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, who signed a six-year, $151 million deal at a relatively similar age to Bregman.
There could be a very real scenario where the Red Sox wait out the Bregman market, as was the case a year ago, relying on the 31-year-old having only less-than-desirable landing spots as his other options. Considering there was no contract communication throughout the 2025 season, the team's willingness to play a game of chicken for a second straight offseason isn't out of the question.
What if Bregman doesn't re-sign with the Red Sox? Filling in at third base defensively internally wouldn't necessarily be a problem because of Marcelo Mayer's presence. But the bigger issue is finding a middle-of-the-order bat for a lineup that was already thin with Bregman.
First baseman Pete Alonso, who also doesn't have a qualifying offer attached, would be a logical (albeit expensive) fit for what the Red Sox need, in many ways. Eugenio Suarez hits home runs, but might swing and miss a bit too much for a group that already is living on the edge of having too much of such a thing. Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami? He also hits homers, but there is some concern over his ability to make contact consistently. And those who have seen him play regularly suggest the idea of him playing third base periodically isn't realistic. Free agent first baseman Josh Naylor also would be a power-hitting option.
One more go-hard-or-go-home target instead of Bregman? Bo Bichette. While he will be entering the market with a qualifying offer, the 27-year-old showed both in the regular season and postseason that he is a centerpiece player who won't shy away from the big moments ... or a position change.
There were other items, such as Lucas Giolito and the team declining the pitcher's $19 million mutual option.
What it means: Thursday, we find out what the next step is for Giolito, who can be offered a qualifying offer by the Red Sox. If he is extended the QO and accepts it, the deal would be for one year at $22.025 million.
With a lockout looming after the 2026 season, there is some belief that players will be reluctant to accept any one-year deal if they don't have to.
While the Red Sox have a litany of starting rotation options after Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello, there is something to be said for the kind of steadying influence a veteran starter like Giolito provides. Think Blue Jays staff.
The Sox, however, might be eyeing another pitcher to fill such a role: Shane Bieber.
Boston was the only place Bieber visited during last offseason when looking for a new team, ultimately re-signing with Cleveland. And the 30-year-old certainly continued to help his stock with his postseason performance. Another potentially cheaper option might be another Toronto starter, Chris Bassitt, who manager Alex Cora has long been a fan of.
There was also more movement among the organization, even after the word Justin Willard is likely slated to take the pitching coach job with the Mets. Chris Hess, who has served as Double-A Portland's hitting coach for the past two seasons, is headed to Miami to become a Marlins assistant hitting coach, according to a source.
What it means: This happens. You hire. You develop. You lose good people who get better titles. The Red Sox should take it as a compliment.