Red Sox Get Major Kyle Schwarber Free Agency Update

The Boston Red Sox ranked 15th in home runs last season and hit the third-fewest home runs in baseball after the calendar flipped to August. They could benefit from adding some more power to the lineup.

Lucky for the Red Sox, one of the best power hitters in baseball is available this winter. Kyle Schwarber led the National League in home runs last season and has been linked to the Red Sox in rumors. However, MLB insider Bob Nightengale revealed an update on his chances of leaving Philadelphia on Sunday, before the winter meetings.

“I’d be shocked if Schwarber doesn’t re-sign in Philly,” one general manager told Nightengale. “(President) Dave Dombrowski knows how much he means to that club and won’t let him go.”

The Red Sox may need to be ready to pivot if Schwarber has a low chance of leaving Philadelphia. However, they won’t be the only team shifting gears. Nightengale listed the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles as other serious pursuers of Schwarber.

Schwarber will be 33 by the time next season rolls around, and ESPN’s Jeff Passan revealed that it may take a five-year deal to land him. However, given his age and profile as a hitter, some teams may be hesitant to pay him.

On the other hand, Schwarber has shown little reason to believe a decline is coming. He was the National League MVP runner-up last season and was selected to the All-Star Game for the third time in his career. He also played in all 162 games for the first time in his career.

If the Red Sox cannot land Schwarber, there are other options available to them. Pete Alonso is also a free agent. Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami could also be a fit for the Red Sox.