Power Play: Red Sox Targeting Alonso and Schwarber in Free Agency
The Boston Red Sox recently acquired St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray, crossing off a major item on chief baseball officer Craig Breslow's holiday to-do list. The team's next focus could be re-signing third baseman Alex Bregman, but what if they miss out on him? According to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey, the Red Sox are looking to add power to their lineup, with Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber being potential targets. Increasing their offensive output, particularly in terms of hitting home runs, is a priority for the Red Sox, who finished in the middle of the league in that category last season.
However, the Red Sox face competition in their pursuit of power bats in free agency. The Baltimore Orioles are also in the mix for players like Schwarber and Alonso as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing season. The Orioles have shown their commitment to free agency by signing closer Ryan Helsley to a lucrative contract. Both Schwarber and Alonso are expected to command significant contracts, with projections in the range of $30 million per year. Schwarber led the National League in home runs last season, while Alonso was among the league leaders in RBIs, showcasing their offensive prowess.
As the Red Sox and other teams vie for the services of premier power hitters in free agency, the competition is heating up. Adding a player like Alonso or Schwarber could significantly boost a team's offensive production and home run potential. The Red Sox will need to act decisively and potentially outbid other interested teams to secure the services of these impactful players. The offseason promises to be an exciting and competitive time for teams looking to bolster their lineups with power bats.