Red Sox Keeping Options Open Regarding Alex Bregman’s Position

The Red Sox haven’t made a final decision on where Alex Bregman will play in 2025.

Boston began full-squad workouts on Monday and spent the ensuing days flipping its newest acquisition between second and third base, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Bregman was at third base on Monday, second base on Wednesday and back at third on Thursday, begging the question as to where he’ll ultimately play on Opening Day in Texas.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora wouldn’t provide a direct answer but seemingly hinted at the club’s overall outlook on the situation.

“We’re in a winning business, and from my end, we’re going to make decisions based on competition, roster flexibility and versatility,” Cora said on Wednesday.

What does that mean, exactly?

Bregman’s positional flexibility seemingly will be viewed as an advantage. Rafael Devers made it abundantly clear that he doesn’t want to move off third base, but keeping the option open for either to play at the hot corner would be best for the team. Boston clearly isn’t afraid of moving players around defensively, either, having done so with Ceddanne Rafaela to mixed results last season.

Devers and Bregman both belong in the lineup on a daily basis, but the talent around them will dictate where they should be defensively. Kristian Campbell’s emergence at second base would likely necessitate a move off third for the former. Masataka Yoshida settling in as the designated hitter would require the opposite. Roman Anthony breaking camp with the big-league club could throw a wrench into the entire ordeal, as it would really cram up the infield by taking away some of the versatility we expect to see out of Campbell.

The Red Sox don’t know which of those things will take place, though, which is why it makes sense to keep all options on the table.

Why worry about so many different variables? History tells us things will work themselves out, but until then, Boston is doing the right thing by preparing the best it possibly can.