MLB Insider Links Red Sox To All-Star Slugger After Rafael Devers Trade

Following the blockbuster Rafael Devers trade, Red Sox Nation is left wondering what chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is planning next.

Breslow said Monday that Boston will remain an active buyer ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. But trading Devers also gives Breslow some spending flexibility in free agency following the season, and one former general manager thinks the Red Sox could go big.

In his appearance Monday on the “Foul Territory” podcast, Jim Bowden said Boston could be in the running for an All-Star slugger.

“Can the Red Sox pivot? Sure, they can,” Bowden said. “Just like when the Yankees pivoted when they lost Juan Soto to the Mets, they can pivot this offseason. They’ve opened up a spot for Roman Anthony. That’s good.

“They could use this money in the offseason to go get Pete Alonso, maybe sign Zac Gallen. There are ways that they could turn this team around in the offseason.”

Alonso is an intriguing option. He’s a four-time All-Star who has slugged at least 30 home runs in five seasons. The Mets star is on track to reach that number again this year, hitting .293 with 17 home runs and an MLB-leading 63 RBI.

Alonso also is one of just four players to win the Home Run Derby twice, doing so in 2019 and 2021.

The 30-year-old slugger hoped to hit it big in free agency this past winter, but ended up settling for a two-year, $54 million contract. The deal included a player opt-out after this season. A first baseman by trade, Alonso could easily slide into the role of designated hitter next year with the return of Tristan Casas.

Signing Alonso won’t be cheap, especially with agent Scott Boras calling the shots. But after shedding $250 million in payroll through the Devers trade, Breslow is positioned for the Red Sox to take a big swing in the offseason.