Red Sox Third Base Solutions: Exploring Options Beyond Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado
The Boston Red Sox, a team that has consistently made waves in the MLB over the years, are once again in the market to strengthen their roster, particularly at third base. With the team struggling to find consistency at this key position, fans and analysts alike are wondering how the organization can improve without looking to acquire well-known stars like Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros or Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals.
While Bregman and Arenado are often seen as the cream of the crop at third base, there are several viable alternatives that the Red Sox can pursue to bolster this position for the upcoming season. The Red Sox front office is faced with the dilemma of either diving into high-profile trades or finding other solutions that may provide long-term stability without committing too much to an elite-level player. As it stands, there are multiple paths the team could take, and in this analysis, we’ll explore six potential options that would allow the Red Sox to improve at third base—without having to break the bank or mortgage their future.
1. Rafael Devers: The Internal Solution
Before diving into external acquisitions, it’s important to consider the possibility of internal improvement. Rafael Devers, the Red Sox’s current third baseman, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, offering the team elite offensive production. However, Devers has also been inconsistent defensively, and his struggles with handling ground balls and positioning could be a key area for improvement.
If the Red Sox coaching staff can help Devers refine his defensive game, he could emerge as one of the top all-around third basemen in the league. This would allow the team to invest in other areas of the roster while avoiding the need to trade for a third baseman. With his bat being one of the strongest on the team, it might be worth giving him another season to improve defensively before looking elsewhere.
2. Trade for Eduardo Escobar: A Familiar Face with Proven Success
A more realistic external option for the Red Sox could be acquiring Eduardo Escobar, a veteran infielder with a wealth of experience. Escobar has played for several teams in his career, including the Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Mets. While Escobar may not be at the same level as Bregman or Arenado defensively, he brings a solid offensive approach and the ability to play both third base and second base.
Escobar’s versatility could be a significant asset for the Red Sox, providing them with a stopgap solution if Devers’s defense doesn’t improve or if the team decides to make a midseason move. Given his experience and relative affordability compared to the top-tier third basemen, Escobar would give the Red Sox the opportunity to address other parts of their roster while solidifying third base for at least a season.
3. Utilize a Veteran Free Agent: Justin Turner
If the Red Sox are looking for a more experienced player to provide leadership and stability, signing a free agent like Justin Turner could be a smart move. Turner, who has had a long and successful career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, remains one of the most reliable hitters in the league, even as he ages.
Though Turner is not the defensive force he once was, he can still be a productive bat in the middle of the lineup, especially in clutch situations. His ability to hit for power and average would make him a valuable asset in Boston’s lineup, and his familiarity with postseason baseball could prove beneficial for a team that wants to make a deep playoff run.
Turner could be signed to a short-term deal, providing the Red Sox with flexibility in case they decide to pursue a more permanent solution in the future. His leadership and presence in the clubhouse would also be a significant boost to a team that is still in the process of building a contender.
4. Trade for Isiah Kiner-Falefa: A Defensive Specialist
Another option for the Red Sox could be to trade for Isiah Kiner-Falefa, a highly regarded defensive player who can play multiple positions. Although Kiner-Falefa has primarily been used at shortstop and
