Report: Boston Red Sox Will Pursue All Star Slugger In Free Agency

The Boston Red Sox are entering a pivotal offseason with a clear directive from the front office: add more power to the lineup. As the team looks to build on its young talent base and return to contention, all eyes are on the free-agent market. According to a report from Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the Red Sox are expected to be players in the sweepstakes for one of the premier power hitters in baseball: New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.

Pete Alonso Would Help Add Power To Boston Red Sox Lineup

Throughout the past season, both Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora have noted the team’s need for more “thump.” The offense often struggled to string together hits and lacked the game-changing power that defines many championship-caliber clubs. Alonso, a three-time All-Star known for his prodigious home run totals, would immediately solve that problem. His presence in the middle of the order would provide a constant threat and change the way opposing pitchers approach the entire Red Sox lineup.

The Financial and Roster Complications

While Alonso’s bat is a perfect fit on paper, his acquisition comes with significant challenges. Alonso will be 31 in December and is reportedly seeking a long-term, expensive contract, potentially in the range of seven years and north of $175 million. Committing that kind of money and term to a player on the other side of 30 is a major consideration for any front office.

Furthermore, there’s the question of his positional fit. While the Red Sox need a first baseman, they also have Triston Casas. A move for Alonso would likely mean one of them would eventually transition to a full-time designated hitter role. The front office would need to determine how to best utilize both players and if that configuration makes long-term sense for the roster’s flexibility.

Are There Better Alternatives?

The conversation around Boston’s offseason targets isn’t limited to Alonso. McCaffrey also mentioned another familiar face as a potential option: Kyle Schwarber. A fan favorite during his brief but impactful stint with the Red Sox in 2021, Schwarber offers elite power and proven leadership. He would likely command a shorter and less expensive deal than Alonso, and he has already demonstrated he can thrive under the pressure of playing in Boston. Though a left-handed hitter, Schwarber’s powerful bat could be a more pragmatic fit for the roster and payroll.

Ultimately, the pursuit of Alonso signals a willingness from the Red Sox to make a significant splash. While the cost will be high and the roster fit requires some maneuvering, adding a slugger of his caliber would be a definitive statement that the team is serious about contending now.