The early stages of the 2025–26 MLB offseason are already shaking things up. The Boston Red Sox are moving fast in free agency, while the Milwaukee Brewers face some tough money questions.
Boston’s stacking power bats around Fenway Park. Meanwhile, Milwaukee might have to trade its ace just to keep the lights on. These storylines could really tip the scales in both leagues.
Red Sox Offseason Blueprint: Build Around Power and Balance
The Red Sox wasted no time showing their hand. They traded for veteran right-hander Sonny Gray, finally filling a rotation hole that’s felt like it’s lingered forever.
This move screams, “We’re here to contend.” They’re not interested in another rebuild.
But pitching’s just one part of it. The front office now has its sights set on adding two big free agent bats from a stacked list: Alex Bregman, Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, and Kazuma Okamoto.
Balancing a Left-Heavy Lineup
Boston’s lineup leans way too left-handed these days. Opposing managers have started to exploit that, especially late in games.
The Sox want more right-handed hitters this winter. Sure, Kyle Schwarber just hit a ridiculous 56 homers with the Phillies, but his skill set overlaps with what Boston already has.
They’re not looking for more of the same. Lineup diversity is the real goal.
Pete Alonso and Fenway: A Natural Fit?
Of all their targets, Pete Alonso just feels like a Fenway guy. That left-field wall? It’s made for right-handed sluggers who love to pull.
Alonso brings elite power and steady home run numbers. He’s the kind of hitter who can flip a game with one swing.
If the Sox land Alonso, first base gets interesting. Triston Casas—once the future at the position—is still rehabbing a tough knee injury.
Bringing in Alonso could mean Boston shops Casas in a trade for more pitching or maybe a young outfielder. It’s a twist that could shake up the roster even more.
A Familiar Face: Alex Bregman Reunion on the Table
Alex Bregman is another name that keeps popping up. He played a key role in Boston’s 2025 postseason run and brings playoff experience, versatility, and a knack for getting on base.
Reuniting with Bregman makes baseball sense—and, honestly, the story just works. He hits right-handed, locks down the left side of the infield, and has proven he can handle October pressure.
Boston’s always loved those gritty postseason vets. Bregman fits that mold.
Kazuma Okamoto and the Catching Question
The Sox are also eyeing Kazuma Okamoto, a power hitter from Japan. He’d bring an international flair and some real upside if the bigger names sign elsewhere.
Then there’s veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto. Boston’s interested, and not just for his bat:
If Boston lands a top bat and someone like Realmuto, they’re not just tweaking—they’re changing the team’s whole vibe for the next few years.
Brewers at a Crossroads: Payroll Pressure and Peralta Trade Rumors
While Boston’s going for it, the Milwaukee Brewers are in a tough spot. Owner Mark Attanasio is facing another offseason of budget headaches, and the team might have to cut payroll before adding anyone.
This squeeze has sparked some ugly rumors. Ace Freddy Peralta could end up on the trade block.
Freddy Peralta’s Value vs. Milwaukee’s Reality
Peralta isn’t just some guy in the rotation. He’s an All-Star who finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting, showing he’s a legit frontline arm.
Trading him would be a gut punch for the Brewers’ 2026 postseason hopes. Ace-level production doesn’t grow on trees, especially for a team that can’t just spend its way out of trouble.
But Peralta’s performance, contract, and age make him a huge trade chip. Contenders needing rotation help might come calling with serious offers, maybe even:
It’s the classic small-market dilemma, right? Hold onto your star and risk losing him for nothing, or trade him now and try to reset the clock. There’s no easy answer here.
Offseason Storylines That Could Shape the 2026 Race
The early moves and rumors swirling around the Red Sox and Brewers aren’t just background noise. They highlight two totally different approaches to roster building in today’s MLB landscape.
Boston’s pushing hard, using financial muscle to chase proven talent. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s weighing some tough choices, stuck with a tight budget and maybe facing some painful sacrifices.
Whether Boston lands a couple of big bats and a veteran catcher, and whether Milwaukee lets go of its ace, will set the tone for both teams. It’s still early in the offseason, but you can already feel the stakes rising.
Here is the source article for this story: MLB rumors: Red Sox interested in signing multiple big bats, more from hot stove
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