“Bregman is the best one available on the free-agent market. It makes sense that Bregman would be one of the two bats the Boston Red Sox bring in this winter.” That’s what analysts have been saying since A-Breg has opted out of the contract. But what happens if they can’t lock down their third baseman? Recent insider chatter points attention towards Seattle as their fallback option.

That Seattle bat belongs to Jorge Polanco, the 32-year-old switch-hitter who just wrapped up a career year with the Mariners. After unlocking a player option worth $6 million through his plate appearances this season, Polanco has decided to test the open market rather than staying with the Mariners.

The moment news broke about Polanco’s free agency plans, veteran insider Ken Rosenthal weighed in with his assessment of the market landscape. As Gordo shared on X, “The Red Sox might want Jorge Polanco if they lose Alex Bregman, according to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon.” The Athletic’s reporting painted a clearer picture of where things can stand for the BoSox.

In his Athletic’s column, he wrote, “Polanco, 32, still would fit nicely, serving mostly as a designated hitter to protect his health but also playing second on days the Mariners want to use Cal Raleigh at DH. But Polanco, according to major-league sources, wants to play out the market. The Boston Red Sox might want him if they lose third-baseman Alex Bregman, the Toronto Blue ­Jays might if they lose Bo Bichette. And those are just two possibilities.”

What makes Polanco a good fit for the Red Sox? His 2025 season shows a good improvement compared to 2024. He slashed .265/.326/.495 with 26 home runs and 78 RBIs across 138 games in the regular season and playoffs combined. The switch-hitter brings exactly what Boston craves—a contact-oriented approach with legitimate power from both sides of the plate.

The financial angle also works perfectly for Boston’s situation.

His market value is around $43.7 million for a multi-year deal, fitting well within the Red Sox’s budget. In contrast, Bregman is expected to command a six-year, $192 million deal. For a front office that just saw Bregman opt out of two years and $80 million for a bigger payday, adding a proven veteran like Polanco, who can contribute without straining finances, makes sense. He has demonstrated he can deliver a strong performance when healthy.

The stakes are clear for the Red Sox. With Bregman opting out and seeking long-term security, they need a solid Plan B if he signs elsewhere, especially with teams like the Tigers, Cubs, and Phillies interested. Jorge Polanco is emerging as a strong candidate—he’s resilient, affordable, and ready to compete at a championship level. The question now is whether Boston will act decisively or not.

However, the Polanco conversation goes deeper than just replacing Bregman. Boston’s front office is juggling another variable that makes the veteran infielder even more appealing.

With Casas uncertain, Polanco looks like a good backup plan

If the Boston Red Sox are seriously considering trading Triston Casas, then pursuing Jorge Polanco would be a logical move. Casas’s value has apparently hit a low point, a consequence of significant injuries and a lack of playing opportunities. Given the circumstances, Boston could really use a dependable hitter, someone who offers consistency instead of the usual unpredictability.

Casas has been sidelined for considerable stretches, first by a broken rib-cage cartilage in 2024 and again by a ruptured patellar tendon in 2025. Such a track record of injuries makes things tricky for Boston’s roster planning, particularly when they weigh the potential for future gains against the need for results right now. Polanco is a sensible option. He is familiar and can easily integrate into the current structure without uncertainty.

Boston gains flexibility with the acquisition of Polanco, who could provide a seasoned presence in the lineup. Casas might contribute as a first baseman or designated hitter, though concerns about his physical condition remain. Adding Polanco minimizes risk as Boston prepares for a potential shift.

Essentially, if the Red Sox are considering parting ways with Casas, or even just weighing that option, pursuing Jorge Polanco becomes more than a consolation prize; it starts to seem like a shrewd tactical shift. Boston would still be working to fill the offensive gap, but with a greater degree of confidence and reduced vulnerability to injury.