Feels like some new MLB rumors have percolated that sound more realistic toward top free agents, Dodgers & Mets interested in Kyle Tucker at low year, high AAV type of deal. When Dodgers get involved they usually get their player. Hasn’t really been anything new reported regarding Blue Jays pursuit.
Phillies & Dombrowski meeting with Bichette. One report said Mattingly came to Philly and is talking him up. I take this more seriously with the Mattingly angle and Dave D. Is another one who gets his guy and doesn’t hand wring about years and $’s.
Even if Bregman has a good deal, in his eyes, from Sox Boras won’t have him sign if he thinks he can leverage more out teams that don’t get Tucker or Bichette.
I think Bregman doesn’t have many suitors and likely he’ll be back but it may take some time along with years & AAV.
- since so many moves in free agency are yet to be made I do think there could be more big trades following top players getting signed. Which could include Sox, Duran, Bello among other Sox moves and other MLB teams. Free agent signings need to fall before teams know what they can do and $’s tied.
- start of offseason I hoped to see Duran traded for good starter. I’m moving towards the model that includes keeping him, Rafaela platooning 2B with Romy and, if Sox sign Bregman, Mayer beginning year in AAA.
I think Duran is going be better than ‘25 and would project and average OPS of his 23, 24 & 25 seasons combined. Players have down years. Not saying he’ll be at ‘24 level but can see him being a really good player this year.
- If Cedanne played some 2B than DH would be Masa & an OF. Casa begins year in AAA. Masa has been a career .280 hitter. If he’s healthy I think he’ll hit and be a productive bat for team.
- Again, if Duran is still on team and projecting Bregman back, Mayer and Casas in AAA to begin season may be best usage of talent and depth protection. Gives options for likely unexpected injuries that happen every season.
Lastly, I come here for good conversations with passionate knowledgeable Sox fans. If you don’t like what I say or others options I ask that you don’t read or disagree without name calling.
Stopped reading after I saw "Rafaela at second". Would rather trade him than see him primarily at second. Anything more than 10-15 games at second in emergencies is a waste of defensive resources.
The only way I'd consider changing my mind is if he miraculously becomes one of the best bitters in the league. But for now most of his value is defensive in the outfield.
Rafaela is an all-star caliber player at CF and a bench caliber player at 2B. It's just not even remotely worth it except in case of emergency.
It seems especially nonsense to "platoon him with Romy." You can't platoon 2 RHHs.
For the record my wish would be to package Duran and other talent for a starter, say Duran, Bello and other chips for Ragans. But right now we’re a month away from spring training with Duran, Rafaela, Anthony and Abreu all being on the team. Going to need to play them.
If this is what things look like on OD, then Duran should be the DH who also rotates into the outfield.
That package isn't enough to get ragans they're getting back a bad left fielder who realistically is closer to downwards trajectory then upwards. A middle of the rotation arm when at his absolute best and back end of rotation when at worst and prospects who more than likely won't make it in the big leagues.
I agree with you but am not as sold on Rafaela at second. I love seeing him fly around center field. Thanks for posting.
I do too but if you still have Duran you need to play him.
If they are all on the roster, they are better off having Duran primary DH and rotate in the OF. Bregman seems like he will be back and Mayer needs to play, so this would be the only way to make that work.
I disagree, you don’t move a gold glove center fielder out of there. He makes every pitcher and corner outfielder look better, it would be a massive hole. Masa isn’t a bad bat, but you don’t kill your defense just to find a way for him to play.
Bregman comes back and you can still play Mayer at SS or 2b (Story at the other), but AAA is a fine place for him to recover.
Casas is going to be a problem given the current roster. The team has a few people who are DH types, a 1b who is better in the field than he is and there are more corner OFs than starting slots that need to play also. He’s 26, in arbitration and has had 2 lost seasons. AAA is fine to start the season, but he needs to come back up at some point or get traded while there’s still some value there.
Are you on drugs, Rafaela isn’t playing 2nd and he’s not platooning with Romy. If they don’t trade Duran he will be the DH rotating in a few times a week to play OF
The best Red Sox team has Rafaela in center. At least one of Masa and Duran needs to be moved. I'd miss both, but to construct a good team this needs to happen. If he's healthy, I'd like to see Mayer at 2nd, unless he has to play third, because Bregman remains unreasonable in his contract expectations. Which is why the FO needs to consider other options, either at 2nd or 3rd, and move on those regardless of Bregman.
It would be malpractice for Cedanne to play anywhere but CF. Duran can DH and rotate in the OF. Mayer needs to be in the big leagues and it doesn’t look like anyone is giving Bregman what he wants, so he will likely be back. Infield will be full
Is Masa a solid hitter? Yes. But that’s it. High batting average, league average walk rate, and below average power. Put that with no speed or defense, it’s a tough sell to move pieces just to give him playing time. If the right trade opens up where they can move Duran and others for a frontline starter, they should do it. At the same time, they shouldn’t force a trade because Duran is too good to just force out so a very average DH can get ABs
At this point I don’t think Bregman signs until Bichette has signed. He wants to be the last big name infielder available particularly because Boras knows that folks around here will freak the fuck out if it looks like the Sox could get shut out of the infield market.
I agree. Until they’re traded team will need to utilize them. Could be you move Duran at trade deadline.
ALEX BREGMAN DOES NOT WORK FOR SCOTT BORAS. SCOTT BORAS CANNOT TELL ALEX BREGMAN NOT TO SIGN.
That’s true, but an agent is a partnership. Alex employs him to get the best deal for Alex. If Boras says hold off and we can get xyz, Alex is going to listen to him.
Correct, which is why on a select few occasions his players sign for less to be in a place they like. Bregman has shown only that he wants as much money as possible with a competitive team, and this is his right.
Hopefully that includes enough capital letters to connect.
Bregman may very well want to be on Red Sox but players leave it to Boras to leverage as much years and $’s as possible
And then they can choose which offer is most appealing. Like last year when Detroit offered much more guaranteed money and years, and he opted for Boston instead.