Spring training is just a few days away, and there are still several big-name free agents that remain unsigned. Rumors surrounding Alex Bregman have been discussed incessantly in the Red Sox community, but there's another marquee talent that's still on the market — former Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.
With the Mets being so active elsewhere in the free agent market this year, most notably in their acquisition of generational talent Juan Soto, it seems like re-signing Alonso has become somewhat of an afterthought. However, a reunion with New York is still the most likely outcome at this point, since Alonso hasn't found the interest he was hoping for from other teams. The Blue Jays are the only other team that has been rumored to be interested, although that isn't saying much, since Toronto is "interested" in just about every available player.
But what about the Red Sox? If a long-term deal for Alonso is out of the question, that brings a lot of other teams into the mix that might be looking to improve their outlook for 2025. While the Red Sox already have a cheaper first base option in Triston Casas, they could make room in the lineup for Alonso, who is one of the premier power hitters in baseball. Not only that, but his pull-side power makes him a natural fit at Fenway, and the Red Sox are in need of right-handed bats to balance out their lineup.
Red Sox could turn to Pete Alonso for short-term righty bat if Alex Bregman pursuit fails
With Pete Alonso’s market now seemingly defined, why not come home to the Mets ?
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) February 3, 2025
To contextualize where this stands, here is a full timeline of a wild negotiation (and a door that never slammed shut):https://t.co/vqTj7ocb5D
No, Alonso isn't a perfect fit, but the Red Sox have expressed some interest, and it wouldn't hurt to be opportunistic. If they can get a player of Alonso's caliber with relatively little commitment, they should do it, since he would certainly make this team more competitive in the short run.
A potential contract for Alonso will likely be only around two or three years with at least one opt-out, similar to the deal that Cody Bellinger got from the Cubs last year. That seems like a risk worth taking for the Red Sox, who desperately need to make the playoffs this year after three seasons of mediocrity.