Why Tigers, Dodgers Transactions Could Push Red Sox To This Bat

The Boston Red Sox remain in the hunt for an impact right-handed bat after they addressed clear needs in the starting rotation.

Several options cycled through the rumor mill for Boston and a few more names reportedly came off the board Friday.

The Detroit Tigers reportedly found their next infield addition with Gleyber Torres on a one-year deal while Teoscar Hernández reportedly returned to the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year deal. Those are two options that the Red Sox move forward without and face a new outlook on the open market.

Nolan Arenado remains a candidate for a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, though the Red Sox can go to the well for their first major multi-year deal of the offseason in free agency. That would come in the person of a longtime American League rival.

Alex Bregman gives the Red Sox exactly what they’ll look for in balancing the lineup: right-handed pop, championship pedigree (two World Series titles with the Houston Astros) and improved infield defense with the chance to play different positions.

Bregman could start a chain of events if he takes over at third base with other positional rotations or makes a move to second base, which would fill a seven-year void for Alex Cora’s club. Bregman could be the final move in an offseason that gives the Red Sox a chance to snap a three-season playoff drought.