MLB Rumors: Red Sox Among Several Likely Suitors For All-Star Slugger

Another day, another rumor linking the Boston Red Sox to New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso. The “Polar Bear” is expected to opt out of his contract after this season and re-enter the free-agent market. And the slugger won’t be hurting for offers.

“The Astros are said to be considering a run at Pete Alonso as a surprise suitor in free agency,” the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Thursday. 

But wait, there’s more.

“The Astros would be a surprise because they signed Christian Walker to a three-year, $60M deal last winter, but they continue to show their willingness to spend to win, with the trade for Carlos Correa the latest example,” the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Thursday. “The Mets will try to bring back Alonso, who could draw interest from Texas, Boston, Seattle, the Yankees and others.”

First base has been a revolving door in Boston this year because Triston Casas suffered season-ending knee injury in May. Manager Alex Cora tried to plug the hole with Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro after former designated hitter Rafael Devers refused to give first base a shot.

The Red Sox have given first-base reps at Triple-A Worcester to top prospects Kristian Campbell and Jhostynxon Garcia. Heck, even Masataka Yoshida did a little work at first while on his rehab stint.

However, Boston has seemingly found an answer in Nathaniel Lowe, who the Red Sox acquired earlier this month when the Washington Nationals let the infielder go.

Lowe has already provided the Red Sox with several clutch hits as they try to maintain their spot atop the American League Wild Card standings.

Better yet, Lowe has one season of arbitration eligibility remaining, so the Red Sox won’t necessarily feel pressure to chase a big-name free agent like Alonso.

The Mets slugger hit his 30th home run of the season Thursday in New York’s 7-4 loss to the Miami Marlins. NJ.com’s Manny Gomez reports Alonso is the only player in Mets history to record at least 30 home runs in six seasons.

Earlier this year, Alonso surpassed Darryl Strawberry to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader.