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ORLANDO — The Boston Red Sox are eager to meet with free agent slugger Pete Alonso. They previously connected through Zoom but want an in-person chat to ramp up their pursuit of the top power hitter available. Unfortunately, illness among key front office members has slowed things down a bit.
Alonso, who lives about 75 miles away in Tampa, is currently at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando for meetings. While the Red Sox are a front-runner, the Orioles are also in the mix. Alonso’s asking price may have risen after Kyle Schwarber secured a five-year deal with the Phillies. If Schwarber can command that, Alonso might be looking for a six- or seven-year contract. The question remains: will the Red Sox commit to a deal that extends into Alonso’s late 30s?
Agent Scott Boras anticipates Alonso’s market will pick up, but insiders suggest that negotiations could drag on longer than expected.
### Exploring Other Options
The Red Sox are also actively exploring trades. Reports surfaced about interest in second baseman Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks. They’re talking with several teams, including the Houston Astros, about infielder Isaac Paredes. Paredes could fit well, offering a solid right-handed bat and two years of control, but he doesn’t match Alonso’s power numbers. In fact, he hit a career-high 31 home runs in 2023.
The Astros are eyeing young pitchers like Payton Tolle for potential deals, but some within the Red Sox organization think that’s asking too much. They are also receiving interest in pitchers like Hunter Dobbins and Kutter Crawford.
Adding two bats would be ideal for the Red Sox, but they might not go for multiple big names.
### Rule 5 Draft Considerations
Recently, the Red Sox traded Vaughn Grissom to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Historically, the Sox have been active during this event, securing players like Garrett Whitlock in 2020. Now that they are aiming for a more competitive season, the question is whether they can take a risk on an untested player.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow commented on this, stating they are still evaluating their approach. He reflects on past successes with Rule 5 picks but emphasizes the importance of careful decision-making, particularly with 2026 in mind.
### Looking Ahead
In the division, left-handed pitcher Steven Matz has signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. He expressed desires to return to a starting role after a recent stint as a reliever. Alex Cora, the Red Sox manager, said Matz is a dedicated player and will excel in his new role.
Finally, the Red Sox might still look to add a seasoned reliever. While their main focus right now is bolstering the lineup, they recognize the value of adding depth in the bullpen. One name reportedly on their radar is Seranthony Dominguez, though negotiations are still in the early stages.
In conclusion, the Red Sox are juggling multiple plans as they aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season while keeping future needs in mind.
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This version maintains a clear focus while offering additional insights and a more conversational tone.
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