Six Ways the Red Sox Can Replace Alex Bregman Internally
After missing out on Alex Bregman, the Boston Red Sox are left looking for their next everyday third baseman. Fortunately, they've got plenty of internal candidates.
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Alex Bregman held an interesting place in the hearts of Boston Red Sox fans. He was an early-season MVP candidate, suffered a midseason injury, and came back limping his way to the finish line. Now, after signing a five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs, the Red Sox need a replacement.
While Boston no longer has Bregman, nor Rafael Devers following a midseason trade to the Giants, it may finally be the time for top prospects to break out. From first-round picks to waiver wire grabs, here are six internal options that could be at 3B on Opening Day.
The Expectation: Marcelo Mayer
Marcelo Mayer is undoubtedly the favorite to land this role. Before a season-ending wrist injury, he spent most of his time in the majors at the hot corner. While he underperformed to the tune of an 80 wRC+, Mayer still easily has the highest ceiling of any of these candidates.
The fourth-overall pick in the 2021 draft, Mayer had a slow trek through the minors on account of several late-season injuries. The concern for many is the fact that he has yet to complete a full season at any level of his professional career.
Defensively, Mayer netted 2 Outs Above Average in 249 innings at third base, but the concern may lie in his arm. His Arm Strength landed in the 26th percentile, a result that causes some worry for a third baseman in particular.
While this all seems a bit negative, Mayer’s ceiling will certainly take him far. He did not adjust to major league pitching in time, and never had a solid position to count on. As someone who entered 2025 as Just Baseball’s No. 22 overall prospect, this spot on the diamond is still his to lose.
The Platoon with Everyday Potential: Romy González
Romy González‘s future is largely dependent on the eventual results of the second base position. Should the Red Sox hold onto each of their four starting-caliber outfielders, Ceddanne Rafaela may end up as the Opening Day second baseman. Additionally, Kristian Campbell hit .245/.403/.367 in 62 PAs in the Puerto Rican Winter League and could be out to regain the second base job.
Defensively, González projects as more of a second baseman than a third baseman, but should that spot go to Rafaela or Campbell, it’s hard to deny González as the best offensive option at third.
After being released by the White Sox and picked up on waivers, González began his journey to becoming a lefty killer last season. As September rolled around, however, he began playing nearly every day, showcasing his skills against right-handed pitching as well.
By the season’s end, González held a 162 wRC+ against southpaws and a 95 wRC+ against righties. This is due, in part, to a groundball-to-flyball ratio of 2.41 vs righties and just 1.10 vs lefties. Should González begin to lift the ball more against righties, it feels nearly impossible to keep his bat out of the lineup.
Watch Him Every Day, and You Understand: Nick Sogard
With a glove that passes the eye test, Nick Sogard is the type of reliable player fans can feel comfortable with on the field. While his Fielding Run Value dropped from 2 to -1 in a small sample in 2025, the concern continues to be his bat.
Sogard’s 83 wRC+ in both 2024 and 2025 may not jump off the page, but his offensive contributions are nothing to scoff at. This is notably told through his clutch factor, a measure of 0.33 in 2025, which, when compared with González’s -0.95, has the two players at relatively similar Win Probability Added (WPA) metrics. Sogard at -0.17 and González at -0.01.
It’s challenging to bang the drum for Sogard as an offensive force, but with how strong his defensive capabilities are, perhaps the level of clutch within his hitting game makes him a legitimate candidate for the position.
The Speed Demon: Nate Eaton
Nate Eaton is known first and foremost for one tool: his 98th percentile speed. While he projects as more of a bench bat and pinch runner on a major league roster, the open spot at the hot corner could make him an everyday candidate.
After struggles with the Kansas City Royals in 2023 to the tune of a -52 wRC+, Eaton had a bounce-back year with the Red Sox in ’25. He improved that clip to 102, although FanGraphs projects this number to fall by 25 points in 2026.
On one hand, it’s hard to deny the projections that Eaton does not look ready for an everyday role. However, his speed can take this up a notch, as his ability to take an extra 90 feet may not be reflected in his slugging percentage, but certainly helps his team to win.
Eaton’s baserunning value (BsR) measured his impact on the basepaths at 0.8 through 90 PAs in 2025. Should he have a full season under his belt, 600 PAs in this case, and that number is estimated at 5.3, which would’ve been a top 15 mark in the majors last season.
The Under-the-Radar Addition: Tristan Gray
The Red Sox acquired Tristan Gray from the Tampa Bay Rays in November in exchange for RHP Luis Guerrero. While a different “Red Sox trade for Gray” headline may have stolen the show, Tristan Gray was a pickup that could pay dividends.
Gray has not had a track record of success thus far in the big leagues. One look at his stats and fans see an OPS below .700 with a wRC+ below 90. However, his expected numbers, albeit in a small sample, tell a different story.
While Gray did not qualify for batting metrics on Statcast, his page would be loaded with red. He boasts well above average bat speed and sweet spot percentage. This creates expected metrics, including xBA, xSLG, and xwOBA, that are all above average.
Combine this with Gray’s relatively average chase rate, and fans can see that their new acquisition hits the ball hard without the potent strikeout numbers that often come with it. If he lives up to these underlying numbers, he could be a legitimate dark horse candidate at third.
Let’s Get a Little Crazy: Triston Casas
This choice may look a little unusual at first, but Triston Casas was drafted as a third baseman back in 2018. He transitioned to first base early in his minor league career, but that doesn’t mean he unlearned the hot corner.
This choice becomes especially apparent when looking at Boston’s current roster construction. After trading for Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals, it seems as though Casas has lost the first base job. Combine that with a crowded outfield and Masataka Yoshida as the presumed DH option, and Casas is a man without an everyday job.
Once a third-place finisher in AL Rookie of the Year voting, Casas has had a few injury-riddled seasons. As he recovers from a ruptured left patellar tendon, there may be concerns about rushing him into a more physically demanding position. However, if Casas is looking to maintain an everyday role, this could be his best option.
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Gabe Shumway is a prospect writer for Just Baseball. He is a student at Northwestern University studying Journalism and Environmental Policy, and can be seen or…