Red Sox Eye Power Boost: Alonso, Bregman, and Okamoto Headline Offseason Targets
The Boston Red Sox are aggressively pursuing upgrades to thier lineup this winter, with a focus on adding a potent bat to complement recent acquisition Sonny Gray. According to reports from Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the team is considering a range of high-profile options, including Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, Kazuma Okamoto, J.T. Realmuto,and Kyle Schwarber.
Addressing Offensive Needs After Gray Deal
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged earlier this month the team’s dual priorities: securing a front-of-the-rotation starting pitcher and a notable offensive presence. The acquisition of Gray from the Cardinals addressed the pitching need, prompting a swift shift in focus toward bolstering the lineup. While some fans expressed reservations, the team believes they’ve made a key addition on the mound.
Infield Flexibility and Outfield Surplus
The Red Sox appear to have a clearer path to improvement on the infield corners. With Alex Bregman opting out of his current contract, third base is now open. Internal options like Marcelo mayer are available, though he could also compete for playing time at second base.The situation at first base is
Alonso: A Power-Hitting Solution?
Pete Alonso, who signed a one-year term deal a year ago, he returned to the Mets on a two-year contract with an opt-out clause, wich he has now exercised. He is reportedly seeking a seven-year commitment this winter, a possibly ambitious ask for a player nearing his 31st birthday. MLBTR projects a four-year, $110MM deal for the power hitter. Adding Alonso’s right-handed bat would also balance a lineup that currently leans left. The key question remains whether the Red Sox can align with his price expectations, especially with potential interest from other clubs, including a possible return to the Mets.
Okamoto: A High-Reward,High-Risk Option
Kazuma Okamoto,a star in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball,presents a more intriguing,albeit riskier,option. From 2018 to 2024, he consistently hit over 27 home runs per season for the Yomiuri Giants. Despite being limited to 69 games in 2025 due to injury, he posted a remarkable .327/.416/.598 slash line with a 210 wRC+.
Defensively, okamoto has experience at third base, first base, and even left field, offering positional flexibility. Scouts are divided on whether he can successfully transition to the major leagues, but his offensive potential is undeniable. MLBTR predicts a four-year, $64MM deal, excluding the posting fee owed to the giants. While a move for Okamoto carries inherent risk – as Boston fans remember with the recent struggles of Masataka Yoshida – his potential upside is significant.
Casas’s Future in Boston?
The potential addition of a first baseman like Alonso or Okamoto could impact Triston Casas’s future with the Red Sox. Casas has been the subject of trade rumors in the past, and a crowded DH spot would further complicate his path to consistent playing time. Despite hitting 42 home runs from 2022-2024, his struggles in 2025 – a .182/.277/.303 line in a limited sample size – and a subsequent knee injury have raised concerns. While still controllable for three seasons and projected to earn a modest $1.7MM in 2026, Casas has been listed as a potential trade candidate by MLBTR. Flipping Casas for pitching or another upgrade could be a logical move if the Red Sox secure a more reliable option at first base.
Financial Flexibility and Ownership’s Appetite for Spending
The Red Sox currently have an estimated competitive balance tax number of $223MM, leaving approximately $20MM below the $244MM threshold for the upcoming season. The team has occasionally exceeded the tax in recent years and might potentially be willing to do so again, especially if reaching the postseason and developing a young core convinces ownership to increase spending.
The Red Sox’s offseason strategy is clearly focused on adding offensive firepower. Whether they target a proven commodity like Alonso, a high-potential international player like Okamoto, or explore other options, the team is determined to improve its lineup and contend in 2026.
