Red Sox, Mets Suffered Biggest Offseason Losses, Execs Say

Survey of MLB executives, coaches claims departures of Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso will be hard to replace

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:55am

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According to a survey of current and former MLB executives, managers, coaches, and scouts, the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets suffered the biggest losses this offseason with the departures of star players Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso. The Red Sox received 11 votes as the team with the most 'irreplaceable subtractions', while the Mets had 10 votes, far outpacing the next closest team.

Why it matters

Bregman and Alonso were two of the most productive players in baseball, and their exits leave major holes in the lineups of the Red Sox and Mets. The survey results suggest both teams will struggle to adequately replace the offensive production and leadership those players provided.

The details

Bregman left the Red Sox to sign a 5-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, while Alonso departed the Mets for a 5-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox and Mets feel they can replace Bregman and Alonso with Bo Bichette/Jorge Polanco and Marcelo Mayer, respectively, but many around the league are skeptical those moves will be enough.

  • Bregman and Alonso hit free agency after the 2025 season.

The players

Alex Bregman

A star third baseman who spent the first part of his career with the Boston Red Sox before signing a 5-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in free agency.

Pete Alonso

A power-hitting first baseman who played for the New York Mets for several seasons before leaving to sign a 5-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.

Bo Bichette

A young shortstop who the Red Sox are hoping can help replace some of the production lost with Bregman's departure.

Jorge Polanco

Another young infielder the Red Sox are counting on to step up after Bregman's exit.

Marcelo Mayer

A promising prospect the Mets are looking to as a potential replacement for Alonso's power in the lineup.

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What’s next

The Red Sox and Mets will need to rely on their young talent to try to offset the losses of Bregman and Alonso, but many around the league are skeptical they will be able to fully replace the production of those star players.

The takeaway

The departures of Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso represent major blows to the Red Sox and Mets, respectively, as both teams will struggle to find players who can match the offensive firepower and leadership those stars provided. The survey results suggest the Red Sox and Mets face an uphill battle to remain contenders in 2026 without those key pieces.