The Boston Red Sox's early exit from the 2025 postseason showed that they still have plenty of roster changes to make before they can muster a lengthy playoff run. Adding a power bat should be high on their list of priorities.
Alex Bregman opted out of his contract, but is widely expected to reunite with Boston — it could hope for a better offensive season from him next year, as he only hit 28 doubles and 18 homers while playing half his season at Fenway Park, where he's historically performed well. The Sox have also been linked to slugger Kyle Schwarber, who blasted 56 home runs in 2025 and is a clear frontrunner for National League MVP.
More recently, MLB insider Jon Heyman of New York Post has linked Boston to longtime Houston Astro Kyle Tucker (subscription required). The Astros traded Tucker to the Chicago Cubs the year before he was slated to hit free agency, and he batted .266/.377/.464 with an .841 OPS, 25 doubles, four triples and 22 homers over 136 games.
Tucker is unlikely to land with the Red Sox for multiple reasons, chief among them being his asking price. The 2025-26 free agent class is rather underwhelming, with Tucker, Schwarber and Bo Bichette being the top available bats. The outfielder likely seeks a megadeal with four consecutive All-Star nominations, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger on his résumé — his asking price could be anywhere from $300-400 million, a price the Red Sox are seriously unlikely to meet, especially if they re-sign Bregman.
MLB insider Jon Heyman expects Red Sox to pursue Kyle Tucker this offseason
Heyman also reported that the Dodgers are in the mix for Tucker's services. If he struggles to find a club to meet his price, there's little to no doubt that LA will pay him without a second thought.
The Red Sox also have a deep logjam in their outfield, with Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Masataka Yoshida, Jhostynxon Garcia and possibly even Kristian Campbell and Rob Refsnyder in need of jobs in the grass next season. Boston has discussed about improving the team by any means this offseason, which could mean it expects to be active in the trade market, so many of these players could be moved. Still, it'd be a tight squeeze to fit Tucker, who would demand everyday playing time, in the Sox's outfield mix.
Tucker is one of the best hitters available in this year's free agent class and he has a history of solid defense, but even his second-half slump won't be enough to lower his price into Boston's range, especially with Garrett Crochet, Anthony and Campbell's extensions scheduled to kick in next season. Tucker's asking price and the Sox's outfield logjam make him a less-than-ideal fit in Boston, and (unfortunately) a perfect fit in Dodger Blue.