Red Sox Rumors: How Alex Bregman Complicates Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow heads into free agency knowing he needs to find at least one bat for the 2026 lineup. Perhaps two, depending on what third baseman Alex Bregman decides.

The three-time All-Star officially hit the open market after opting out of his three-year, $120 million contract. The Red Sox have made no attempt to hide the fact they would like the clubhouse leader back for next year and beyond.

Shopping For A Bat

At the same time, Boston has been linked time and again to Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, the two biggest bats available in free agency.

So that’s a lot of balls in the air for Breslow to juggle.

“Alonso is in a spot similar to Bregman’s: reached free agency last year, didn’t have much of a market, took a short-term deal, is opting out, and will try again without a qualifying offer dragging him down,” the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey notes.

“For the Red Sox, Alonso is this offseason what Bregman was last offseason: the natural fit as what they need (a righthanded slugger at first base/DH) at this moment (post-rebuild, the start of what should be a lengthy competitive phase, with an inexpensive homegrown core),” Healey added.

The Waiting Game

Problem is, Healey reports the 30-year-old Alonso is looking for a massive, seven-year contract. And keep in mind Bregman is 31 and Schwarber is 32. So how does this play out for the Red Sox?

“If they are not eager to, say, commit nine-figure contracts to multiple players in their 30s, waiting on Bregman could complicate any pursuit of Alonso or lefthanded DH Kyle Schwarber (and maybe outfielder Kyle Tucker, who will be 29 next season). (Scott) Boras represents Bregman, Alonso, and Tucker,” Healey concludes.

A five-time All-Star, Alonso hit 38 home runs this season, which was eighth-best in the majors, and drove in 126 runs, second only to Schwarber.

Speaking of Schwarber, the National League MVP finalist hit a career-high 56 home runs this season. He spent part of the 2021 season in Boston as a midseason acquisition and helped the Red Sox reach the American League Championship Series.

Bregman brought stability and leadership to the Red Sox in 2025, hitting .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs. But he also missed almost two months of the 2025 season with a right quad strain.