The Boston Red Sox have seemingly been interested in reuniting with Kyle Schwarber since the offseason started, and they absolutely should be. The veteran has only slugged more as his career has advanced, and the Red Sox have already seen how well he fits in at Fenway Park from his brief stint with the team in 2021.
Boston has also expressed interest in signing Pete Alonso to bring some thump to its lineup —either he or Schwarber would be a great fit — but such a thing may not happen until the former Philadelphia Phillies slugger signs. A few insiders have predicted that Schwarber may be the first big-ticket bat to sign this winter, and some venture to guess that he could sign before the end of the Winter Meetings.
MLB insider Joel Sherman writes that Schwarber and Kyle Tucker may have to sign before other free agents and trade candidates find their new teams (subscription required). Schwarber's signing could set the market for the other available sluggers, given his age and MVP contention in 2025. Tucker is regarded as the best outfielder available this year, and his contract will determine what other outfielders seek for their own.
Regardless of whether the Red Sox end up with Schwarber back on their squad, his signing could affect their plans in one way or another. Alonso has a similar history when it comes to slugging, and if Schwarber's new contract is unexpectedly pricey, it could have an adverse effect on Alonso's market — Alonso is younger and fills a position of need for Boston, which will make him cost more even without a boost from Schwarber's deal.
Kyle Schwarber could be first big bat to sign this offseason, would impact Red Sox's offseason whether he lands with Boston or not
Recent rumors also suggest that the Mets are interested in Schwarber (subscription required). Alonso has spent his entire career in Queens and holds the home run record for the Mets, but their interest in Schwarber suggests they may be willing to let him walk.
There is a downside to the Mets being in on the Schwarber market. Team owner Steve Cohen has the deepest pockets in MLB, and while he may leave the Alonso market if he signs Schwarber, his interest in him alone could raise the asking price for both sluggers.
It's hard to tell for sure what the Red Sox's offensive plans are, as they've expressed interest in a player at every single infield position, including catcher. Like the Sox are surely doing with their targets, the Mets could be trying to leverage Alonso and Schwarber against each other, and the Red Sox should hope it doesn't work. Whether or not Schwarber lands in Boston, his contract could impact its spending.