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Red Sox Predicted to Target 244 Home Run Slugger to Resolve First Base Issue

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox are in the market for a new first baseman following the Triston Casas injury. But the front office could also look to find a long-term replacement for Casas.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post had a target for the Red Sox to go after in free agency after the 2026 season. Heyman predicted the Red Sox would target New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.

"Could Boston be a landing spot for Pete Alonso?" Heyman wrote. "Even before Triston Casas was injured, the Red Sox didn't seem solid on Casas. They will need to replace Rafael Devers' bat."

The Red Sox have a clear need at first base. Even when Casas is back healthy, Boston could still look for a first baseman. Alonso might be the best option out there, and the Red Sox could land a new first baseman who'd provide a nice replacement for Devers offensively.

"Alonso, whose wife is from Boston," Heyman writes, "Is practically a Devers duplicate offensively (.859 career OPS for Alonso to .856 for Devers) who embraces first base."

There's already a connection for Alonso to come to Boston, and the fit makes a ton of sense. Boston needs a first baseman and a replacement offensively for Dever's firepower. Why not land both in one move?

In Alonso's career, he has 244 home runs, 876 hits, and a .252 batting average in seven seasons of play. This year, he has a National League-leading 25 doubles, 18 home runs, 67 RBIs, and an impressive .909 OPS.

Not only are they looking to replace Devers' offense, but they can improve on Casas with Alonso's addition. That'd open the door to a Casas trade or move to designated hitter.

He's making $30 million this year, but will likely make a lot more in free agency. The Red Sox aren't paying Devers any money, so Alonso would fit within the team's budget a lot easier than it would've last offseason.

Alonso would be a perfect fit for Boston. He's an offensive weapon, would fill a major hole at first base, and has ties to the city already. Heyman's prediction would be an ideal scenario for Boston, as Alonso would be a perfect fit for the team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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