Red Sox Rumors: Right-Handed Bat Remains 'Top Priority' Amid Bregman, Arenado Buzz

Improving their offense from the right side of the plate remains a "top priority" for the Boston Red Sox, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.

Cotillo reported that Boston has weighed adding free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman or the St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado.

Every year, there's at least one or two notable free agents who wind up signing for much less than expected thanks to a tepid market. Bregman might earn that unfortunate distinction this offseason.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projected in November for the two-time All-Star to get $187 million over six years. Instead, he remains unsigned and his earning power likely diminishes the closer we get to spring training.

Cotillo speculated the Red Sox could be waiting to see if Bregman lowers his asking price and is willing to settle for a short-term deal.

Arenado, meanwhile, has become the subject of trade rumors with the Cardinals pivoting toward a rebuild.

The 10-time Gold Glove winner has a no-trade clause, though, which he has already used to block a move to the Houston Astros.

The Athletic's Katie Woo reported on Jan. 7 in general that "the Cardinals' efforts to trade Arenado are at a standstill."

"The financial stipulations have complicated the team's trade attempts," Woo wrote. "The Cardinals will not take on a large sum of Arenado's contract just for the sake of moving him. They are looking for a team to take on the majority of his remaining $74 million over three seasons. The situation becomes more complex when factoring in Arenado's full no-trade clause."

As Opening Day draws closer, maybe St. Louis is prepared to absorb more of Arenado's contract, or the 33-year-old could grow open to destinations he would've vetoed week earlier.

In general, Cotillo's report could generate more ire within the Red Sox fanbase.

With a projected payroll of $171 million for 2025, Boston is firmly in the middle of MLB financially. It has the means to pay Bregman whatever he wants or take on all of Arenado's outstanding salary.

The need for right-handed hitting is clear with a lot of lefties occupying the Red Sox's lineup. The front office will look like it's dragging it feet by waiting this long to make a big addition.