Ex-Red Sox Star Voted 'Most Irreplaceable' Offseason Loss By MLB Insiders

Alex Bregman's departure leaves a void in Boston's lineup and clubhouse

Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boston Red Sox lost star third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency this offseason, and MLB experts voted him the most irreplaceable subtraction of the winter. Bregman's elite production, Gold Glove defense, and veteran leadership will be tough to replace for the Red Sox, who are hoping their new additions can help fill the void.

Why it matters

Bregman was a key part of the Red Sox lineup and clubhouse culture, and his departure leaves a significant hole that the team will struggle to fill. The Red Sox are already facing questions about their ability to replace the production and presence of another star they traded away, Rafael Devers, making Bregman's exit even more impactful.

The details

After just one season in Boston, Bregman left the Red Sox to sign a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in January. His exit was a surprise, as Boston had been considered the favorite to re-sign him all offseason. The Red Sox were forced to trade for Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers to try to replace Bregman at third base, but Durbin's production and leadership skills don't match what Bregman brought to the team.

  • Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in January 2026.
  • The Red Sox traded for Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers to replace Bregman at third base.

The players

Alex Bregman

A former All-Star third baseman who played one season for the Boston Red Sox before leaving in free agency.

Caleb Durbin

A third baseman acquired by the Red Sox in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers to try to replace Bregman.

Rafael Devers

The Red Sox's former franchise third baseman who was traded away last summer, leaving a hole that Bregman was unable to fully fill.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's more than just a baseball player. He's the most magnetic personality in every clubhouse he enters. So you can replace his at-bats. You can stick someone else at third base. You can divvy up his money. But, as our voters clearly conveyed, when it comes to all the other stuff, you can't replace that.”

— Jayson Stark

What’s next

The Red Sox are hopeful that some of their new veteran additions and other players can step up and fill the leadership void left by Bregman's departure, but it will be a significant challenge.

The takeaway

Bregman's departure leaves a major hole in the Red Sox lineup and clubhouse, and the team will struggle to replace his elite production, Gold Glove defense, and veteran leadership. This loss, combined with the earlier trade of Rafael Devers, puts significant pressure on the Red Sox to find a way to maintain their competitiveness in the AL East.