As of Friday, the Boston Red Sox are one of only two big-league teams to not sign a big-league free agent this offseason. The Red Sox have certainly been active, trading for Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, but they have missed out on targets like Pete Alonso, Jorge Polanco, Kyle Schwarber and Dylan Cease.

Despite being interested in a reunion, they have not re-signed Alex Bregman or come to terms with Bo Bichette or Eugenio Suarez, who they have been linked to.

We have heard the Red Sox connected to Ketel Marte on the trade market as well, but there's been no real movement. And I do have one major question for Craig Breslow and Co.

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Do they not believe in their young talent?

The Red Sox drafted Marcelo Mayer No. 4 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft. They've waited for him to get to the big leagues for years, and he finally arrived in 2025. He played 44 games before getting hurt, hitting .228 with four homers and 10 RBIs. It wasn't a great performance, but 2026 should be a breakout opportunity for him to get regular playing time.

My question is: Why are the Red Sox so hellbent on bringing in external infielders? Do they not believe in Mayer? Or.... do they not believe in Kristian Campbell?

Envision a world where the Red Sox bring back Bregman and play him at third base. That leaves Trevor Story at shortstop and second base is open. The team could give it to Mayer, or they could give it Campbell, but they can't both play there. One of them has to be pushed aside.

Campbell, 23, was a fourth-round pick in 2023 and Breslow signed him to an eight-year extension last season. That money would indicate that they believe in him, but again, if they are connected to all these veteran infielders, what does that say about Campbell and his future? Did the Red Sox make a mistake extending him?

In theory, if they fully believed in both players, they wouldn't need to bring back Bregman. But since they are so heavily invested in a reunion, I can't help but wonder if they think one or both aren't ready to be the players we've come to think they can be.

Elsewhere

The Rays, Pirates and Astros are on the verge of executing a three-team trade. Brandon Lowe will go from Tampa to Pittsburgh along with Mason Montgomery and Jake Mangum. The Astros will receive pitcher Mike Burrows and the Rays will get two prospects.

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