Red Sox Couldn’t Qualify as Critical Suitor For Pete Alonso

When Pete Alonso left the New York Mets after seven seasons, the baseball world watched carefully to see the place one in every of MLB’s most constant sluggers would land. His determination turned official on Wednesday: a large five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.

The deal averages $31 million per season and immediately strengthens Baltimore’s lineup. But behind the scenes, the Boston Red Sox additionally made a push-one that in the end fell quick.

Red Sox Lowball Pete Alonso Despite Desperate Need for Power

Before Alonso dedicated to Baltimore, a couple of groups confirmed severe curiosity, together with the Boston Red Sox. However, in response to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe, Boston by no means actually positioned itself as a severe participant within the race. Their closing provide reportedly featured fewer years and considerably much less cash than the Orioles’ blockbuster deal.

The hesitation got here right down to age and long-term danger. At 31, Alonso stays one in every of baseball’s most reliable energy threats, however the Red Sox entrance workplace anxious about how the contract would possibly age. Their conservative method mirrors current choices, most notably, parting with Rafael Devers early into his main extension.

Boston’s warning might show pricey, particularly if Alonso continues producing on the elite degree he is maintained all through his profession.

Alonso’s Consistency Could Make Boston Regret Their Pass

Over the span of seven seasons, Alonso has been the definition of reliable energy, self-discipline, and sturdiness. His résumé features a Rookie of the Year award, a number of 40+ residence run seasons, and a repute as one in every of MLB’s cleanest pure sluggers. Stationed now inside the identical division, he can have loads of possibilities to make Boston remorse their selection.

If he continues producing at this regular clip, the Red Sox would possibly come to see their conservative provide as a missed alternative, per Clutch Points.

Boston Still Searching for a Middle-of-the-Order Bat

There’s an urgency for energy in Boston. Trevor Story led the staff in residence runs final season with 25, and although the Red Sox completed seventh in all of baseball in whole runs scored, they do not have that one explosive bat that is essential to run with division rivals just like the Yankees and Blue Jays.

Free company hasn’t been variety. Two of the top-tier energy choices, Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, are already off the market. With restricted alternate options left, Boston might have to show to the commerce market.

If the Red Sox need to preserve tempo within the AL East arms race, a dangerous transfer could also be crucial. They have the prospects and property to pursue a transformational bat within the neighborhood of Corey Seager or another superstar-level hitter who might anchor the lineup for years. Until then, Boston’s passivity with Alonso stays a loud query mark on their offseason recreation plan.