As the MLB offseason begins, conversations are heating up regarding the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. Recently, WEEI’s Rob Bradford stated that Alonso is a player the Red Sox should target, emphasizing his fit for the team and the need to invest in his talent.
With Alonso set to turn 31 in December, discussions around his potential contract are intensifying. According to the New York Post’s Mike Puma, Alonso is likely to seek a contract spanning at least seven years. This aligns with the contracts of his agent, Scott Boras, who has negotiated similar deals for other players like Marcus Semien and Matt Chapman at comparable stages in their careers.
Puma pointed out that Chapman, who signed a notable three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants before negotiating an even more lucrative six-year deal worth $151 million, could serve as a model for Alonso’s contract expectations. With these precedents set, curiosity grows around how much Boston is willing to invest in the two-time Home Run Derby champion.
Red Sox fans are feeling a renewed sense of hope as they contemplate the possibility of pursuing top-tier free agents, including Alonso. Masslive.com’s Sean McAdam highlighted that while there are no guarantees in securing big names, the team is open to exploring nine-figure contracts for elite talent. This marks a shift back towards the robust spending habits the franchise demonstrated during the earlier years of John Henry’s ownership.
Team president Sam Kennedy expressed optimism for the upcoming season, hinting at a commitment to building a competitive roster. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow reinforced this sentiment, stating that the ownership is willing to allocate resources towards constructing a winning team capable of contending for postseason glory.
Alonso is poised to enter the free-agent market after opting out of his current contract with the Mets, where he had signed a two-year deal worth $54 million last winter. Over his seven seasons with the Mets, Alonso established himself as a standout player, becoming the franchise’s all-time home run leader and ranking high in the league with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs in the current season.
As the offseason progresses, the potential for Alonso’s arrival raises excitement among Red Sox supporters, particularly after the team faced challenges with injuries to key players last year. With both talent and ambition in the conversation, there is the promise of an interesting winter for Boston fans.