The Boston Red Sox are set for a highly anticipated wild-card match-up with the New York Yankees, and will be doing so with a vacancy at first base.
First base has been a problem for Boston all season. They claimed Nathaniel Lowe off waivers in August, and expect Triston Casas to return, but this free agency, the Red Sox front office can make a huge splash and totally address the position.
Red Sox named top landing spot for Pete Alonso
Quickly after the Mets were eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday, first baseman Pete Alonso immediately announced he'd be opting out of his contract.
Bleacher Report jumped on that and listed several teams that may be a top landing spot for the 38 home run slugger:
"And at that point, the Red Sox would be heading into free agency with a projected starting infield of Marcelo Mayer off a wrist surgery, Triston Casas off a ruptured patellar tendon, Ceddanne Rafaela who is better as a center fielder and probably Kristian Campbell after what ended up being a disastrous and truncated rookie season."
Boston's Craig Breslow has shown a willingness to commit to players long term; a potential deal with Alonso would likely be a three or four-year deal with an AAV around $30-35 million.
Alonso has made the All-Star team in four consecutive seasons and put together another stellar campaign this year. In 162 games, Alonso had an OPS+ of 144 with 126 runs driven in and a .272 average.
Pete Alonso's time with the Mets may be over, and his free agency sweepstakes is one of the biggest storylines this Winter.
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