Red Sox Seek Two New Hitters After Pete Alonso Misses
The Boston Red Sox are on the lookout for two new hitters to enhance their offense after losing out on star player Pete Alonso. The team is particularly interested in Alex Bregman, and they may also consider free agent Eugenio Suarez, who hit 49 home runs last season.
Red Sox’s Pursuit of New Hitters
With the trade deadline behind them, the Red Sox are exploring various options to strengthen their batting lineup. They showed interest in several players, including:
- Alex Bregman
- Eugenio Suarez
- Isaac Paredes from Houston
- Ketel Marte from Arizona
At the Winter Meetings, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow emphasized the necessity of adding power to the team. The recent signings of top sluggers, including Alonso with the Baltimore Orioles, have left the Red Sox seeking alternative solutions.
Challenges in the Market
The Red Sox offered Alonso a deal that was less favorable in terms of terms and overall financial commitment compared to the Orioles’ offer of $155 million over five years. Breslow, addressing the media, acknowledged the need for a strong bat that can fit within the team’s structure while respecting the players’ decisions and family considerations.
Previous Season Performance
Last year, the Red Sox ranked 15th in Major League Baseball with 186 home runs, with Trevor Story leading the team at 25. Injuries and trades affected their power statistics, making it a critical area for improvement.
Future Strategy
The team is also mindful of its financial standing, with the current payroll at approximately $224 million. They are $20 million below the first competitive balance tax threshold of $244 million. However, significant roster improvements may necessitate spending beyond this threshold.
With competitors like the Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays enhancing their rosters, the pressure to act remains high. Breslow stated, “We recognize that we’ve got some needs to fill in terms of the position players on a roster right now.”
As they head back to Boston, the Red Sox remain committed to building a competitive team for the upcoming seasons, particularly as they look ahead to 2026.
