As more moves continue to be made during MLB free agency, the Boston Red Sox still have one glaring need in their roster at third base.

After spending one season with the Red Sox, star third baseman Alex Bregman opted out of his contract to test free agency, leaving a hole in Boston’s lineup. Bregman is one of the best remaining players available in free agency, and with the Toronto Blue Jays signing six-time NPB All-Star Kazuma Okamoto, the Red Sox’s chances of bringing back the 31-year-old seem to have improved.

The Red Sox were linked to Okamoto earlier this offseason, but despite their need to fill the void left at third base following Bregman testing free agency, MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported Sunday that the team only “kicked the tires” on the 29-year-old slugger.

“The Red Sox, who entered the winter with uncertainty at both corner infield spots due to Alex Bregman hitting free agency, were linked to Okamoto throughout his process, but a source said late last month that the club had just ‘kicked the tires’ on him,” Cotillo wrote. “The need lessened when Boston swung a deal with the Cardinals to acquire Willson Contreras to play first base. Third base remains a question mark with Bregman, who remains available, as the clear top choice to return in that position, and the Okamoto signing likely helps Boston’s chances.

“Reports in the last couple weeks had linked the Blue Jays to Bregman, with a report from MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand earlier this week citing Toronto and Arizona as the teams that ‘may be’ the two most aggressive on him. The Diamondbacks are known to be involved in the market for Bregman, who lives in Arizona in the offseason, and Toronto was somewhat of a surprise entrant. With third base filled in Toronto, it would appear there’s one less motivated suitor for Bregman’s services.”

After trading for Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras this offseason, Boston’s top priority now seems to be bringing back Bregman on a long-term contract. Though the Red Sox checked in on Okamoto earlier this offseason, it’s great news in their pursuit of Bregman that the Blue Jays signed the NPB star.

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