Alex Bregman Vs. Juan Soto: What Red Sox Needed In Free Agent Bat
BOSTON — The Red Sox reviewed multiple All-Star hitters in search of a splash last offseason.
Juan Soto undoubtedly rose as the prize of the offseason. He wasn’t a perfect fit for the Red Sox as a southpaw slugger in an already lefty-loaded lineup, but that goes out the window when a generational hitter like Soto hits the open market. The Red Sox were aggressive in negotiations before Soto eventually signed his historic megadeal with the New York Mets.
Boston pivoted to another impact bat after a necessary deal to acquire its ace of the present and future in Garrett Crochet. The Red Sox saw the benefit of how a right-handed power hitter could dominate at Fenway Park and balance the existing lineup. It took until the opening days of spring training, but the Red Sox got their man in third baseman Alex Bregman.
It’s too early in two different contracts (Soto for 15 years, Bregman with an opt-out after one year of a three-year deal) with other factors to negate a direct comparison
As the Red Sox and Mets wrap up their series at Fenway Park, here’s where Bregman and Soto stand through the first seven weeks with their new clubs.
Alex Bregman
2025 Stats: .304/.388/.565. .954 OPS, 11 HR, 35 RBI, 32 R, 28 XBH, 21 BB, 38 K, 165 OPS+, 47.4% Hard Hit Percentage
Juan Soto
2025 Stats: .247/.379/.437. .815 OPS, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 33 R, 17 XBH, 38 BB, 34 K, 134 OPS+, 56% Hard Hit Percentage
Soto has had some struggles and drama, but the Mets in no way should have any jerk reactions to his start and trust the investment they made in a generational player.
As for the Red Sox, there’s nothing more they can ask for from Bregman. He’s already a three-win player (3.0 WAR) in 2025 with his best offensive production at the plate since 2019. He was the MVP runner-up in the American League that season. He’s bound for an All-Star nod for the first time since then in 2025 and has a real argument to bring home MVP hardware this time around.
Boston has intentional approaches in pursuits of Bregman and Soto this offseason. So far, the Red Sox have to be thrilled with the results.