MLB Rumors: Red Sox Among Teams Interested In Star Slugger
On paper, there doesn’t appear to be a major need for Pete Alonso on the part of the Red Sox, but if that roster is written in pencil, a lot can be erased and rewritten between now and Opening Day.
Perhaps that’s part of the logic behind a potential pursuit for the free agent slugger. According to USA TODAY, the Red Sox are one of a handful of teams showing interest in signing Alonso.
“There currently are eight teams showing at least some interest in Alonso, including the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox,” Bob Nightengale wrote Tuesday. “But in the game of first base musical chairs where 11 teams have a new first baseman, Alonso is left standing.”
The interesting part about Boston’s reported inclusion in the Alonso sweepstakes is the Sox already have Triston Casas, who is younger (24 versus 30) and is far cheaper than Alonso — even if the latter’s market has been depressed by a sleepy market. Of course, the other caveat is that Alonso has a much bigger resume and sample size than Casas — or any other slugger on Boston’s roster for that matter.
Alonso has been a stalwart in the middle of the New York Mets’ lineup since 2019 when he won National League Rookie of the Year with 53 home runs and 120 RBIs. Only Aaron Judge has hit more home runs over that span. So, while he might not be a perfect fit, at least at the moment, it might make sense, especially if it’s a short-term deal with opt-outs so Alonso can try to hit the market again. Nightengale noted Alonso “may have no choice but to return to the Mets on a short-term deal with an opt-out.”
Teams could be scared away by a drop in production, too. Alonso’s 34 home runs and 88 RBIs are impressive, sure, but both mark career lows (not counting the 2020 season). The batted-ball stats trended the wrong way, too. Alonso also produced a career-worst .461 expected slugging percentage, and his barrels per plate appearance also dropped to the worst of his career.
All of that being said, if he’s forced to sign a short-term deal, it could be worth it for the Red Sox or any other contender looking for power from the right side.
The Red Sox, according to a recent report, also remain in the mix for Cardinals infielder Nolan Arenado.