With spring training just a week away, the Boston Red Sox still haven’t secured the right-handed bat they’ve been targeting all offseason.

The silver lining? Both options remain available.

Alex Bregman is still a free agent with a complex market, while the St. Louis Cardinals have yet to finalize a trade for Nolan Arenado. While the Bregman sweepstakes remain uncertain, reports indicate the Red Sox have recently re-engaged with the Cardinals regarding a potential deal for Arenado.

According to MLB.com’s John Denton, “The Cards and Red Sox have again engaged in trade talks centered around Arenado in recent days, a source told MLB.com.” However, Arenado, who hit .272 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs in 2024, has a full no-trade clause and previously used it in December to block a trade to the Astros.

Denton also noted that the Red Sox reportedly prefer Bregman over Arenado.

“Boston would prefer to sign Astros All-Star Alex Bregman, but it is in a bidding war with at least two other teams for the services of the free-agent third baseman, per the source,” he added.

This preference makes sense, as Bregman is younger and wouldn’t require Boston to give up assets in a trade. Ultimately, with a clear need at third base, the Red Sox must decide soon and make a move to enter spring training with momentum.