Pete Alonso Vs. Kyle Schwarber: Who’s Better Fit For Red Sox?

The Boston Red Sox entered this offseason with holes in their lineup and starting rotation. After partially addressing their rotation with last week’s Sonny Gray trade, they now appear likely to pivot to their offense at next week’s Winter Meetings.

Two of their top targets will be free-agent sluggers Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, both of whom are elite, durable power hitters with their share of pros and cons.

Heading into his age-31 season, Alonso is roughly two years younger than Schwarber. He also bats right-handed, which may make him a better fit for the Red Sox’s lineup, especially if Alex Bregman doesn’t return.

Alonso also plays first base, which is starting to look like an area of need for Boston given Triston Casas’ recent injuries and inconsistency. Schwarber is primarily a DH at this point in his career and hasn’t manned first base in four years.

On the other hand, Schwarber has already played for the Red Sox and proven he can produce in Boston. He has a good relationship with manager Alex Cora and several holdovers from the 2021 team.

Schwarber also has far more playoff experience and has played in a World Series, although both have flourished in the postseason. Signing him will likely require a smaller financial commitment than Alonso given their age difference.

While either would give the Red Sox a serious boost, Alonso is probably a slightly better fit for them given his age, right-handedness and ability to play first base.