Alex

Bregman

Sharma and Mooney add that the Cubs are bracing for Kyle Tucker’s expected departure in free agency and are prepared to give top prospects Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros extended runway in the majors. Still, they’re not closing the door on a potential position-player addition. Chicago reportedly made a legitimate push for Bregman last spring before he ultimately landed in Boston. The 31-year-old defensive stalwart produced a robust .273/.360/.462 triple-slash line with 18 homers and 62 RBI across 114 games. His 44.4 percent hard-hit rate was the best of his career. The production, however, came in two distinct acts: Bregman hit .298 with 11 homers in 53 games before a serious quad injury, then managed just a .250 average and seven homers in 61 contests after the All-Star break. His arrival would squeeze former top prospect Matt Shaw off third base and into a likely multi-position utility role.

Bichette would be a younger alternative to Alex Bregman as Boston’s primary offensive signing this winter. The Red Sox could use him at third or, perhaps more likely, put him at second and shift Marcelo Mayer to the hot corner. Of course, it’ll be a fierce market for Bichette, especially if he is willing to move off shortstop right away. His annual salary might come in a little shy of Bregman’s, but since he’s just turning 28 in March, he’ll command the longer deal of the two.

Bregman had a $40 million option for each of the next two seasons, but will instead opt to roll the dice on finding a longer-term deal. While it makes sense, it is a bit of a risk for Bregman, considering he got hurt last season and returned to hit just .250 with seven home runs in 61 games. Last offseason, there were some concerns about how he would hold up physically over the length of a long-term contract, and you’d have to imagine those concerns would remain this offseason. That being said, he will likely have many suitors on the free agent market.

Murakami is expected to be posted this offseason by the Yakult Swallows after eight seasons as an offensive force in Japan. Boston’s interest in the 25-year-old power-hitting infielder is tied to whether they’re able to retain Alex Bregman after he opts out of his contract to test free agency again. The Yankees, Mets, Phillies and Mariners have already been mentioned by Nikkan Sports as possible suitors for Murakami while Feinsand adds that the Giants and Dodgers are likely to be in the mix as well. He’ll be one of the most interesting names to watch on the free agent market this winter.

No real surprise that Bregman will test the open market again this offseason after wrapping up his Red Sox debut with a .273/.360/.462 slash line with 18 homers and 62 RBI over 114 contests. His 44.4 percent hard hit rate represented the best mark of his entire career. He struggled in the second half after returning from a serious quad injury, batting just .250 with seven homers in 61 games after the All-Star break after hitting .298 and launching 11 round-trippers in 53 first-half contests. The 31-year-old third baseman won’t officially make a decision on his contract until after the upcoming World Series. He’s expected to have plenty of options for a multi-year contract as one of the premier position players on the open market.

Bregman is officially good to go after missing Boston’s final two regular-season contests due to illness. The 31-year-old veteran has more postseason experience than the rest of the Red Sox’ roster combined at this stage of his career. He’s back at the hot corner and batting third on Tuesday night to kick off the postseason at Yankee Stadium.

Bregman missed the final two games of the regular season due to illness, but is expected to be ready for Tuesday’s postseason opener at Yankee Stadium. The 31-year-old third baseman struggled in the second half after returning from a serious quad injury, batting .250 with seven homers in 61 games after the All-Star break after hitting .298 and launching 11 round-trippers in 53 first-half contests.

Bregman hasn’t quite looked the same at the dish since returning from a serious quad injury back in mid-July, batting .250 with seven homers in 61 games since the Midsummer Classic after batting .298 and launching 11 round-trippers in just 53 first-half contests. The Red Sox are clearly hoping that some extended downtime will pay dividends when they kick off the postseason in a couple days.

It’s a classic post-playoff clinching lineup from the Red Sox in this one with off days for a quartet of veterans. Story, Bregman and Duran could certainly use a break as they’ve played nearly every day down the home stretch. Boston appears poised to let the chips fall where they may this weekend as they’re pretty much locked into the second AL Wild Card spot.

Bregman drove in a run on a base hit in the fifth inning. He later added a single and a run scored in the ninth as the Red Sox took a late lead. The 31-year-old third baseman has had a solid first season with the Red Sox, slashing .275/.359/.470 with 18 homers, 62 runs scored, and 61 RBI across 473 plate appearances.