Insider Predicts Red Sox Will Sign Five-Time All-Star Power Bat
Pete Alonso would be a great addition to the Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox made the postseason last year, but they could be even better by improving in the power department this offseason. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale predicted on Sunday that Boston would do just that and sign Pete Alonso in free agency.
Alonso opted out of his two-year, $54 million deal with the New York Mets following his fourth consecutive All-Star campaign. Alonso searched for a long-term deal last offseason but was unable to land one. He had one of his best seasons last year and reportedly wants at least a seven-year deal this winter.
Alonso is one of the best power hitters in all of baseball. He made his MLB debut in 2019, and since then, only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies have hit more home runs than him. Last season, not only did he hit 38 home runs, but he also had a career-best batting average of .272.
The Red Sox could use a bat like Alonso’s in their lineup. The Red Sox ranked 15th in home runs last season. In the American League East, only the Tampa Bay Rays hit fewer home runs than the Red Sox.
Alonso would have led the Red Sox in home runs, RBIs and hits. He would have tied Jarren Duran for the team lead in doubles. He is one of the best hitters in baseball and has done a great job of staying healthy throughout his career. He has played in 162 games in each of the last two years and has not missed more than 10 games in any season.
Alonso would bring an elite power threat to the Red Sox offense, but he would not be cheap. Spotrac projects him to sign a deal with an average annual value of $29 million. If he wants a seven-year deal, the Red Sox would have to commit upwards of $200 million to land him.
Signing Alonso for $200 million would be a major investment for the Red Sox. A $200 million deal would rank third among first basemen in all of baseball, trailing only Bryce Harper and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. However, in a division that features the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, the Red Sox will need firepower to compete consistently.
