Red Sox Could Suddenly Be Suitors For Five-Time All-Star Free Agent

The Boston Red Sox made the postseason last year, but Craig Breslow may have his mind set on upgrading the already talented roster. Adding power might be something the Red Sox will consider.

The Red Sox ranked 15th in home runs on the season, but struggled in that department in the final two months of the year. Adding power is not as simple as just signing a big bat, however. The Red Sox will want someone who can provide Alex Cora with some lineup flexibility. Pete Alonso may suddenly be a name to watch.

According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox’s sentiment on Alonso has changed recently. Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, noted that his client is willing to play as a designated hitter, and not just at first base.

“I think Pete, at this point in his career, is about winning. No doubt,” Boras said Wednesday when asked if Alonso is willing to play more as a designated hitter.

Alonso has a minus-34 outs above average at first base in his career. He has rarely served as a designated hitter, playing just three games there in the last two years despite playing in every game. The Red Sox may not want to sacrifice their defense, and Alonso’s sudden willingness to be a designated hitter makes him more attractive. The other huge power bat available this winter, Kyle Schwarber, is a full-time designated hitter at this point. He would essentially block that spot in the lineup.

“At the outset of the offseason, a well-connected industry source with knowledge of Boston’s thinking didn’t think the Red Sox would be a major player for Alonso,” Cotillo wrote on Thursday. “This week, however, word is there are some in the club’s inner circle that prefer Alonso to Kyle Schwarber, the other top offensive free agent who projects to be exclusively a DH in 2026. Alonso doesn’t have a qualifying offer (and draft pick compensation) attached to him like Schwarber does.”

Alonso is a five-time All-Star, and his willingness to play first base and designated hitter would give Cora plenty of options. He could find ways to keep Alonso in the lineup every day, while also having space to get his excess of outfielders and Triston Casas regular playing time. On the other hand, Schwarber would lock up a spot in the lineup, giving Cora one less spot to play with.