The Boston Red Sox appeared to be early favorites in what was expected to be a heated bidding war for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. when he hit free agency next winter. With plenty of cap space and a glaring need for another elite bat, Boston seemed primed to make a serious run at the Toronto Blue Jays slugger. But that plan came to a screeching halt when the Blue Jays locked down their franchise cornerstone with a stunning 10-year, $500 million extension—removing one of the game’s biggest stars from the upcoming free agent market and catching the attention of front offices across the league.
Now, with Guerrero Jr. officially off the board, Boston may be forced to shift focus elsewhere—and FanSided’s Chris Landers believes that pivot could lead them straight to New York Mets first baseman. The power-hitting righty has a $24 million player option for the 2026 season, but most expect him to decline it and test free agency in search of a long-term deal.
While he doesn’t offer quite the same level of star power or youth as Guerrero, he remains a potent offensive force. At 30, he has shown signs of a slight decline in overall offensive production, but his raw power is still undeniable. He’s opened the 2025 season on a tear, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most feared sluggers in the league. According to Landers, Alonso could be an ideal fit for Fenway Park, where his ability to drive balls off the Green Monster and clear fences to all fields would instantly upgrade the Red Sox lineup.
However, the situation is far from simple. For one, Pete Alonso will turn 31 in December and has never been praised for his athleticism. These factors could discourage some teams from offering him the long-term contract he’s likely seeking. Even so, Spotrac projects Alonso to command a deal in the range of $174 million, a significant sum—but potentially a bargain compared to what Guerrero Jr. would have cost.
The Red Sox’s internal situation at first base also complicates matters. The position is currently held by Triston Casas, a promising young slugger who many believe is the long-term answer in Boston. But Casas is off to a difficult start in 2025, and while the organization still has confidence in his upside, his status as the first baseman of the future isn’t as ironclad as it once was.
If the Red Sox were to entertain the idea of trading Casas—perhaps in a blockbuster deal for a frontline starting pitcher—then targeting Alonso in free agency would make a lot more sense. Otherwise, pursuing a player of Alonso’s caliber and price tag could create a positional logjam and limit flexibility for years to come.
Of course, Boston isn’t the only team expected to be in the mix if Alonso does become available. Clubs like the Phillies, Cubs, and even the Dodgers could enter the fray, depending on how the market shapes up. The presence of other big bats on the market—such as Kyle Schwarber, Marcell Ozuna, Cody Bellinger, or Luis Arraez—could further impact Alonso’s value and Boston’s level of interest.
Ultimately, while Pete Alonso doesn’t carry the same long-term appeal or elite athleticism as Guerrero Jr., he remains one of the few potentially available bats who could instantly transform a team’s offensive identity. For a club like the Red Sox—still trying to find the right blend of youth and veteran firepower—he might just be the next best option on the board.
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