After the Toronto Blue Jays failed to get an extension done with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before the 2025 season, Boston Red Sox fans began to lick their chops,.
Rumors that the slugging infielder would like to play for the Red Sox surfaced over the offseason, and Boston fans were excited to see Guerrero hit free agency. However, the massive 14-year, $500 million extension he signed has precluded that possibility.
Here are four first base options that the Red Sox can pursue for next season if they decide to move on from Triston Casas.
4 additional first base options for the Red Sox instead of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Pete Alonso
Once a bonafide superstar, Pete Alonso has become something of an afterthought on a Mets team that now consists of both Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. After looking for a long-term contract, he returned to the Mets on a two year prove-it deal with an opt-out after 2025. If he does indeed opt out, he could be available in the upcoming offseason.
Alonso has always had tremendous power and can produce a lot of runs, and he's off to a flying start this season. However, he's currently making $30 million, and if he opts out, it'll be because he thinks he can make more. The Red Sox would have to be convinced that he would be a big upgrade to the roster to make it worth it.
Josh Naylor
In one of several big moves this offseason, the Diamondbacks acquired Josh Naylor from the Guardians in his final year before hitting free agency. Naylor has shown the ability to hit for both contact and power — in 2023, he batted .308 with just 17 home runs, and last year, he had 31 homers and 108 RBIs but only hit .243. Whichever version of Naylor shows up would be a productive bat, and his defense is respectable. He would be a less expensive option than Alonso, though it's hard to see him matching the Polar Bear's power.
Ryan Mountcastle
It's far too early to jump to conclusions, but with the Orioles' pitching staff struggling the way it has this season, there's a chance that they could be sellers either at the deadline or after the season, since Ryan Mountcastle isn't scheduled to hit free agency until 2026. Mountcastle has some power with a 30-homer season on his resume, hits for a decent average and is a solid defender at first. Though he doesn't walk much and strikes out a lot, his power and right-handed bat could make him valuable at Fenway Park, and he's probably one of the cheaper options available.
Rhys Hoskins
It's not a guarantee that Rhys Hoskins will be a free agent next year, as he has a mutual option for 2026 with the Brewers, but he could be available for a trade with a compelling offer, which Boston has the resources to make.
Hoskins is another guy with 30-homer potential, having hit the mark twice in his career. He's also walked at a high rate throughout his career, so he can provide some value even when he's slumping. However, he hasn't seemed to be the same player since he missed all of 2023 with an injury. He did hit 26 homers last year, but he only batted .214. Still, Fenway could be just the place for him to find his game again.