The free agent market got moving on Tuesday when Kyle Schwarber signed with the Phillies and Edwin Diaz went to the Dodgers during the Winter Meetings.
Names like Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman and Ketel Marte now highlight the market. The Red Sox have been connected to the trio, and MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand revealed Boston, as well as the Baltimore Orioles “remain the favorites” to land Alonso.
The Orioles reportedly offered Schwarber the same five-year, $150 million deal he got from the Phillies, but ultimately decided to return to Philadelphia.
Alonso’s defense has been inconsistent at times, but he’s durable and has the ability to hit 30 home runs. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow didn’t commit to Triston Casas being the team’s 2026 first baseman.
MassLive reported the Red Sox met with Alonso on Zoom prior to the start of the Winter Meetings, and were trying to finalize plans to meet with the veteran first baseman in person. It was difficult to make plans to meet in person because high-ranking front office members were battling cold and flu symptoms.
After Schwarber’s deal with the Phillies, it’s likely Alonso’s ask will increase potentially to a six or seven-year deal. It’s unclear if the Red Sox would commit that much term to the 31-year-old.
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