Red Sox Chances of Landing Top Remaining Free Agent Are Dwindling

Now that Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki is officially off the market after signing with the LA Dodgers, Alex Bregman remains the best free agent available on the market. The Boston Red Sox continue to be interested in the 30-year-old All-Star but their chances of landing him appear to be dwindling.

As is often the case with agent Scott Boras' clients, Bregman seems very comfortable waiting things out and making his demands clear. He is reportedly insisting on a seven-year deal after the Astros only offered him six years and $156 million.

Per Mark Feisand of MLB.com, the Red Sox, along with the Blue Jays, the Mets, and the Cubs are still "in the mix" for Bregman, but chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is refusing to give him the deal he is looking for.

"The Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mets and Cubs are all still in the mix for Bregman to varying degrees, though none appear prepared to give him the deal he’s seeking...Detroit seems to make the most sense on paper given its need for an impact bat and the relationship between Bregman and manager A.J. Hinch."

- Mark Feinsand, MLB.com

Feisand identified the Detroit Tigers as the likeliest destination for Bregman, meaning that the Red Sox would have to look elsewhere to add a right-handed impact bat.

The Red Sox have seemingly struck out with their top free agent targets so far. As fans are still waiting for a big offseason splash from the front office, the Red Sox may need to turn to the trade market again.

As Breslow seems unwilling to break the bank for Bregman, targeting Nolan Arenado in a potential trade remains an intriguing option. One of the best defensive third basemen of his generation, Arenado, if he were to waive his no-trade clause, could be the only remaining possibility that would satisfy Red Sox fans.

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