The Boston Red Sox endured what team officials characterized as a “real disappointment” last weekend when it became clear that third baseman Alex Bregman would not be returning for the 2026 season. After opting for free agency following the year, Bregman turned down Boston’s reported five-year, $165 million offer and instead accepted a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs.
While the decision stung, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and the Red Sox front office moved quickly to pivot. Almost immediately, Boston began working to strengthen its infield—both at the major league level and within the organization’s long-term pipeline.
That developmental push took a notable step forward Thursday. According to the club’s official transactions log, the Red Sox finalized a deal with Dawvris Brito, the No. 28-ranked international prospect in the 2026 class per MLB Pipeline. The 17-year-old shortstop received a $1.2 million signing bonus, a figure reported by SoxProspects.com.
Brito, a native of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, received the second-largest bonus among the 18 international amateur free agents signed by Boston on the opening day of the 2026 signing period. Only Dominican outfield prospect Garielvin Silverio, who secured a $1.4 million bonus, received more.
The Red Sox’ investment in Brito—nearly a quarter of their $5.94 million international bonus pool—underscores how strongly Breslow and his staff believe in the teenager’s upside. At 6-foot and 180 pounds, Brito has drawn glowing evaluations across the scouting industry. MLB Pipeline labeled him “an uber-athletic player who has made significant strides in his overall game over the past few years.”
Pipeline’s report added that Brito, a right-handed hitter, has consistently posted triple-digit exit velocities over the past year and is beginning to translate his physical growth into increased power as his frame matures.
Five-Tool Upside Drawing Attention
Baseball America scouts echoed that optimism, highlighting Brito’s “quick-twitch athleticism” as a defining trait. According to the outlet, that explosiveness shows up most clearly at the plate, where his bat speed stands out. While Brito is still refining his approach—sometimes skewing toward power over contact—evaluators see a legitimate chance for both power and speed at a premium defensive position if his development stays on track.
MLB Pipeline went even further, noting that Brito “has the look and physical tools of a potential five-tool player,” upside the organization hopes he will unlock as he begins his professional career.
Boston Still Targeting a Major League Upgrade
Brito’s signing came as part of a broader international class that included seven shortstops, but the Red Sox remain active in their pursuit of a big-league solution at third base following Bregman’s exit to Chicago.
Much of the speculation has centered on Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes. His offensive production in 2025 closely mirrored Bregman’s, and in one key area, Paredes actually surpassed him—out-homering Bregman 20 to 18. His .809 OPS finished just 12 points shy of Bregman’s .821 mark.
At 26 years old, Paredes also comes with two remaining years of team control, a factor that complicates any potential deal. Whether Boston can assemble a trade package strong enough to pry him away from Houston remains uncertain, but it’s a question the Red Sox are expected to answer sooner rather than later—possibly within the coming week.