Updated Red Sox Rumors on Bregman, Bichette, Marte, Paredes After Contreras Trade

The Boston Red Sox "continue to pursue another infield bat" after acquiring first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals, according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier.

"According to major league sources, the team's primary targets remain fairly consistent: Free agent infielders Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, as well as trade candidates Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks) and Isaac Paredes (Astros), and Brendan Donovan (Cardinals)," Speier reported Saturday.

Last year, Boston was thrown for a loop when Triston Casas suffered a season-ending patellar injury in May. One consequence was the total breakdown in the Red Sox's relationship with Rafael Devers, culminating in his midseason trade to the San Francisco Giants.

While Casas is hopeful of being healthy by Opening Day, Contreras gives the team a proven option at first. The three-time All-Star had 20 home runs and 80 RBI while slugging .447 in 135 games in 2025.

Other weaknesses in the infield remain, and the players cited by Speier point to second base or the hot corner as the Red Sox's areas of focus. Bregman would leave a big void at third if he signs elsewhere, while highly touted infielder Kristian Campbell struggled so much he got demoted in June.

FanGraphs projects Boston to run a $191 million payroll in 2026, down from $207 million to end 2025. The front office should have some flexibility to keep spending after the Contreras trade.

Even after trading for Garrett Crochet last winter and promoting some of their top talent, the Red Sox have enough left in the cupboard to make a trade for a player as good as Marte, too.

As much as Contreras brings to the table, the fanbase will be disappointed if he's the only notable addition to the offense.