The Boston Red Sox are already looking ahead to the 2026 MLB season. They’re not just focused on headline stars like Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, or Pete Alonso.
The front office seems set on finding a cost-effective complementary bat—or maybe two—that can deepen the lineup, protect the core, and add some positional flexibility. That means they’re eyeing a range of mid-tier free agents to fit around pieces like Triston Casas, all while keeping payroll and contract lengths in check.
Red Sox Strategy: Depth, Versatility, and Value in 2026 Free Agency
Boston looks ready to target hitters who can move between positions, handle DH duties, and deliver steady production. They’re not after massive, long-term deals here.
The plan? Add quality veterans on two- to four-year contracts, most projected to come in under $40 million total, according to The Athletic and MLB Trade Rumors.
This gives the Sox a way to reinforce their lineup around their stars and hedge against injuries. It also steers clear of the kind of contract that can weigh down the payroll for years.
Within that framework, a few interesting names have popped up as potential fits.
Rhys Hoskins: Power Bat to Pair With Triston Casas
If Boston commits to Triston Casas as its everyday first baseman, Rhys Hoskins feels like a logical target as a complementary piece. At 33, Hoskins isn’t a rising star anymore, but he’s still a legit middle-of-the-order threat.
He put up a .237 average and a .748 OPS for the Brewers in 2025. That’s solid, if not spectacular—shows off his power, but also his streakiness.
Injuries have slowed him down lately, but Boston could use a right-handed bat to balance things out and soak up DH at-bats.
For the Sox, Hoskins fits best as:
A two- or three-year deal at a reasonable AAV? That’s a classic low-risk, medium-reward move.
Ryan O’Hearn: A Steady Stopgap at First If Alonso Isn’t in the Cards
Ryan O’Hearn brings a different kind of value. If Boston manages to re-sign Alex Bregman but misses out on Pete Alonso, O’Hearn could be a short-term fix at first.
At 32, O’Hearn is the kind of player contenders quietly rely on. He offers:
He’s not the star fans might dream of, but as a stopgap, he fits Boston’s plan—solid production on a reasonable contract. Plus, he keeps things flexible for a future splash at the position.
J.T. Realmuto: Veteran Catcher Turned First Base/DH Hybrid
One of the more surprising names on Boston’s radar is J.T. Realmuto, long considered one of baseball’s best catchers. By 2026, Realmuto will be spending less time behind the plate, which actually lines up with what the Red Sox need.
Realmuto could fill roles like:
His versatility and leadership add value beyond just stats. He’d bring stability and playoff experience to a club that’s trying to get back into the mix.
Seiya Okamoto: High-Upside International Swing for First Base
Seiya Okamoto might be the most intriguing upside play. The 30-year-old Japanese star is expected to test MLB free agency and has the tools to be an impact bat at first base.
There’s always some risk and uncertainty with international signings:
Still, for a team willing to take a chance on upside within a reasonable contract, Okamoto could be a bargain if he comes close to his ceiling.
Jorge Polanco: A Swiss-Army Knife Infielder With Real Offensive Punch
Not many players on the market match Jorge Polanco’s mix of positional flexibility and offensive output. After a strong 2025 with the Mariners, Polanco has reestablished himself as a dependable run producer who can move around the infield.
Polanco, 32, brings:
For Boston, he’d act as a lineup stabilizer—someone who can fill multiple roles, cover for injuries, and give the manager creative options with matchups and rest days. It’s the kind of flexibility that really matters over a long season.
Contract Outlook and How These Targets Fit Boston’s Bigger Picture
Look at this group—Hoskins, O’Hearn, Realmuto, Okamoto, and Polanco. They all share a key trait: controlled cost and contract length.
Industry projections expect deals in the two- to four-year range. Most of those contracts come in well under $40 million total.
This setup lets the Red Sox:
Boston’s trying to map out a path back to real contention. Moves like these—smart, targeted, maybe even a bit under-the-radar—could make the lineup deeper and a lot more dangerous.
Here is the source article for this story: Ranking the 5 best complementary free-agent hitter options for the Red Sox
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s