Red Sox to Meet Key Free Agent at Winter Meetings Soon

The Boston Red Sox are preparing for an important winter meeting where they may meet with highly sought-after free agent Pete Alonso. This opportunity could signal a significant move in the team’s strategy to enhance their lineup.

Key Details of the Upcoming Meeting

Pete Alonso, a 31-year-old slugger, is expected to travel from Tampa to engage in discussions with interested clubs, including the Red Sox. This meeting is anticipated to occur on Tuesday, as reported by Jon Heyman from the New York Post. However, a source close to Alonso indicated that while a meeting with the Red Sox is possible, it has not been confirmed yet.

Alonso’s Track Record

• Alonso has hit 158 home runs over the past four seasons.
• In the previous year, he led the National League with 41 doubles.
• He recorded an impressive .871 OPS.
• Alonso has shown remarkable durability, missing only 10 games in the last four seasons.

Addressing the Red Sox’s Needs

Last season, the Red Sox struggled to produce home runs, finishing mid-tier in the league. Their postseason performance was especially lackluster, hitting just one home run in three games against the Yankees. With Alex Bregman now a free agent, the team is under increasing pressure to secure additional power hitters.

As the team looks to strengthen its infield, Alonso presents a viable solution for the first base position. However, given the likelihood of him transitioning to the designated hitter role as he ages, the Red Sox need to consider his overall fit in their future lineup.

Additional Considerations

Another player linked to the Red Sox is designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who had a brief tenure with the team in 2021. Alonso’s acquisition would not only fill a current gap but would also add depth to a batting order that leans heavily left-handed.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow spoke about the importance of face-to-face interactions, which will take place during the winter meetings at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando. He emphasized the value of direct discussions with players and agents as the team seeks to enhance its roster before departing on Wednesday night.

The upcoming meetings present a pivotal opportunity for the Red Sox to bolster their lineup and address gaps in their infield as they look forward to the next season.