The Boston Red Sox went into the Winter Meetings determined to land a middle-of-the-order masher. They came out empty-handed, watching two of their top targets sign elsewhere while their own offers fell short.
Now, with the market thinning and pressure mounting, Boston is pivoting to a new set of options in both free agency and the trade market. They’re still searching for the impact bat this lineup desperately needs.
Red Sox Miss on Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso
The offseason blueprint in Boston was clear: add a proven, power-hitting run producer to stabilize the heart of the lineup. The front office zeroed in on Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, two elite sluggers capable of transforming an offense overnight.
Instead, the Red Sox watched both slip away. Schwarber signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, while Alonso committed to the Baltimore Orioles.
In both cases, Boston’s bids were reportedly light on years and total value. That stings, doesn’t it?
Craig Breslow Confirms Pursuit of Alonso
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said the club went hard after Alonso, a consistent 30+ home run presence and one of the most dangerous right-handed bats in the game. Alonso looked like a tailor-made answer for the Red Sox: a middle-order anchor with raw power and a track record of production in big markets.
Breslow emphasized that while Boston’s interest was genuine, they had to “make the best organizational decisions” and respect the player’s right to choose. The Red Sox weren’t willing to stretch their offer to the level Alonso ultimately received, even with their glaring need at first base and for right-handed pop.
First Base Still a Major Concern
Missing out on Alonso doesn’t just sting because of the power numbers. It leaves the Red Sox still searching for clarity at first base, one of the most pressing questions on the roster.
Triston Casas’ Health Looms Large
Triston Casas, the organization’s projected long-term answer at first, is rehabbing from a significant knee injury. There’s some optimism about his recovery, but the nature of the injury raises obvious concerns about availability and effectiveness early in the season.
Depth options like Romy Gonzalez offer versatility but not the proven production of a middle-order bat. That makes a first-base upgrade — or at least a strong insurance policy — a clear priority as Boston navigates the rest of the winter.
Free-Agent Options Still in Play
With Schwarber and Alonso off the board, the Red Sox are turning their attention to other free-agent options. They’re hoping to lengthen the lineup and boost run production.
Bichette, Bregman and the Infield Shuffle
Two big names still on the market are Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman. Bichette brings contact skills and gap power from the middle infield, but it’s Bregman who appears to be the cleaner fit for Boston’s current needs.
A move for Bregman would allow the Red Sox to stabilize third base. He’d return to his natural position and improve the infield’s defensive and offensive profile.
His disciplined approach, ability to drive in runs, and postseason pedigree check multiple boxes for a club trying to raise its competitive floor. He’s got that edge you want in October, right?
Beyond the headliners, Boston is also considering more affordable infield options such as:
None of these players is a pure Alonso replacement. Still, each could help deepen the lineup and spread the offensive burden.
Trade Market Targets and Realities
The Red Sox are also surveying the trade landscape for answers. That path is more complicated, but it may offer the best chance to secure an impact bat without outbidding deep-pocketed rivals in free agency.
Marte, Paredes and the Long Shots
On the trade front, names like Ketel Marte and Isaac Paredes have surfaced as potential targets. Marte’s blend of power, athleticism and positional flexibility would be a perfect fit for a club seeking both offense and versatility.
Paredes, coming off a breakout with Tampa Bay, offers significant right-handed power and on-base ability from the infield. However, other speculative names seem less realistic.
A move involving Corey Seager is widely viewed as unlikely, given his status as a franchise cornerstone. Brendan Donovan remains more of a wild card: attractive because of his versatility and on-base skills, but not necessarily the classic middle-of-the-order presence the Red Sox are chasing.
The Offensive Profile Boston Needs
Breslow has been clear about the type of hitter the Red Sox are targeting as this search continues. Boston isn’t just hunting for raw power; they’re looking for complete offensive players who can reshape the lineup’s identity.
Run Producers Who Control the Strike Zone
The priority? It’s finding one or two players who can do a few things well:
After leaving the Winter Meetings without their primary targets, the Red Sox face a critical stretch now.
The big bats are dwindling. The needs are still obvious, and the margin for error in the AL East? It’s razor thin.
Here is the source article for this story: Craig Breslow reacts to Pete Alonso signing, charts Red Sox’ plan to add bat (or two)
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