Seeing as how the 2025 Boston Red Sox went through a serious power outage in the second half that lasted through their early playoff exit, one would think the team would prioritize adding the best home run hitters the market has to offer during the offseason.
And, wouldn't you know, it the National League home run king of 2025 not only happens to be an impending free agent, but also a former Red Sox cult hero!
Yes, it seems that all the stars are aligning for a reunion with Kyle Schwarber, who hit 56 home runs in the Philadelphia Phillies' quest for an NL East Crown. The 32-year-old is on the back-half of his career and is practically a full-time designated hitter at this point, but that's hardly a reason to stay away from someone who could single-handedly resolve the Red Sox's biggest offensive issue, right?
Well, maybe not. Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reported that Craig Breslow was noncommittal about the team's DH plans, citing Alex Cora's love for lineup flexibility that could doom a reunion with Schwarber.
Red Sox's desire for versatility could keep Kyle Schwarber out of Boston
When it comes to Schwarber, it is worth noting that he simply can't be relied on to play the field anymore. He was worth -18 Outs Above Average (-21 Defensive Runs Saved) in left field in 2023, and he's since taken over as the full-time designated hitter in Philadelphia.
That could be an issue in Boston. The Red Sox used 13 different players at DH in 2025, a direct reflection of Cora's insistence regarding versatility on the roster. Remember that after trading Rafael Devers, the team stated that they wanted to keep the DH spot fluid to ensure all of their best bats could play, regardless of position. Of course, after the trade deadline, Masataka Yoshida sort of took over the role on a daily capacity, meaning that nothing is really set in stone here.
When asked about the DH role, Breslow said (via Healey): "I'm going to be reluctant to make commitments about rosters or roles, just because I think we've got work to do ahead of us to improve the team."
Still, Schwarber is such a good fit for what the Red Sox need that it'd be a shame for the team not to at least try to pursue him over the offseason. He was awesome in the second half of 2021 after the Sox acquired him at the trade deadline, and his 56 home runs this year more than doubled Trevor Story's team-leading 25.
Never say never when it comes to free agency, but for now, it appears the Red Sox will continue to prioritize roster flexibility under Breslow.