Red Sox Eye Pete Alonso Over Alex Bregman for Surprising Reason: Power and Financial Flexibility.vc
BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox are actively pursuing two of the biggest right-handed bats on the free-agent market: first baseman Pete Alonso and re-signing third baseman Alex Bregman. While re-signing Bregman was long considered the “smoothest way forward,” Red Sox fans might like the reason why Alonso is emerging as a potentially preferred target: sheer power and superior financial flexibility in the short term.
The Red Sox, who recently traded for Sonny Gray to fill one need, are now intensely focused on finding an impact bat.1 The choice between Alonso and Bregman is a high-stakes bet on production versus stability.
The Surprising Reason: Right-Handed Power Surge
The most compelling argument for choosing Alonso is his ability to address the team’s greatest need: massive, right-handed home run power.
- The Power Disparity: Alonso, a five-time All-Star, crushed 38 home runs in 2025 (eighth-best in MLB) and has multiple 40+ home run seasons.2 Bregman hit 18 home runs for the Red Sox last season.3 The front office is reportedly looking to capitalize on this power aspect, especially after the departure of Rafael Devers.4
- The Fit: Alonso is viewed as the “natural fit” as a right-handed slugger who can split time between first base and designated hitter (DH), complementing the lefty-hitting Triston Casas (when healthy) and giving Manager Alex Cora more flexibility.5
The Contract Calculus: Shorter Commitment, Less Risk
While both players are seeking massive deals, industry analysts project a slight structural difference in their contracts that favors Alonso:
| Player | Projected Contract Range | Key Red Sox Concern |
| Pete Alonso (1B/DH) | 5 years, $140M – $180M (AAV: $28M-$36M) | Below-average defense at first base. |
| Alex Bregman (3B) | 6 years, $170M – $175M (AAV: $28M-$29M) | Age (32) and injury history (missed 2 months in 2025). |
Bregman is seeking a longer deal, projected at six years, which is a major commitment for a player entering his age-32 season who dealt with a right quad strain in 2025.6 Alonso, though seeking a massive payday, is often projected to sign a shorter deal (five years) with a higher AAV, which provides the Red Sox with power impact but less long-term commitment risk than Bregman’s desired longevity.
Ultimately, while re-signing Bregman remains “on the table” due to his defense and strong clubhouse leadership, the need for an overwhelming, home run-hitting threat, combined with the risk associated with a long contract for an aging third baseman, is tipping the scales toward the New York Mets’ “Polar Bear.”
