The Rafael Devers trade helped the Boston Red Sox shed more than $200 million in payroll over the next eight years. With the newly created financial flexibility, one insider believes there’s a top free agent this winter who will be perfect for Boston.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote that the Red Sox are the perfect fit for first baseman Pete Alonso. With the club expected to be in the market for a slugger to replace Devers this winter, Alonso could be their top target.
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- Pete Alonso stats (ESPN): .287/.379/.530, .909 OPS, 18 home runs, 68 RBI, 25 doubles, 48 runs scored in 334 at-bats
Alonso, age 30, is enjoying a rebound season in a contract year. After finishing last season with a .788 OPS, Alonso entered play on July 5 with his highest OPS since his rookie season (.941).
While the veteran right-handed hitter is signed to a two-year deal with the Mets, the final year is a player option. He’s widely expected to receive multi-year contract offers this winter worth more than $30 million per season.
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- Pete Alonso contract (Spotrac): $30 million salary in 2025, $24 million player option for 2026 season
However, Boston might also need to figure out how it’s going to retain Alex Bregman. The All-Star third baseman can exercise his opt-out clause this winter, becoming a free agent instead of playing on a $31.705 million luxury tax salary in 2026.
Alonso would provide Boston with an outstanding source of run production at first base, a spot that has plagued the team for several years now. However, if the choice comes down to signing Bregman or Alonso, the club will likely choose the Gold Glove Award winner at third base.
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