The MLB GM Meetings are in the rearview mirror and the Boston Red Sox remain in the mix for New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand lists five potential suitors for the free-agent slugger, including the Red Sox.
"Boston shed a huge salary with last season's trade of Rafael Devers, and with Alex Bregman back on the free-agent market, the Red Sox have ample room on the payroll for another star (or two)," Feinsand notes.
"If Bregman returns, it reduces the chances of a pursuit of Alonso, but the Sox could use some more pop in the lineup -- especially at first base -- and the Polar Bear is one of the top power bats available," Feinsand adds.
The other teams on Feinsand's list of potential suitors are the Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.
However Feinsand notes Alonso does come with a potential red flag.
"(H)is defense at first base has been an issue. Alonso had a -9 outs above average in each of the past two seasons and has posted a positive number in OAA and fielding run value just once each in his career, both in 2021," Feinsand writes. "He's apparently willing to spend more time at DH, which should help his free-agent case."
Alonso was a free agent last winter and didn't find a multi-year, nine-figure contract to his liking so he returned to the Mets, who gave him a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out clause.
The two-time Home Run Derby champion said after the regular season ended he would opt out of his contract and return to the open market.
According to an executive who talked with Feinsand, Alonso should do quite well for himself this time around.
"I think it'll be similar to last year, but there are also fewer big-bat options available this winter than there were last winter, so there may be more teams willing and able to give him what he wants," the executive told Feinsand.
"It's interesting because he is a year older, but also a year deeper in his career and he has continued to produce -- so that could cut either way. I think he ends up doing better than last winter, at the end of the day. But it's hard to say how much better," the executive adds.
The 30-year-old Alonso hit 38 home runs this season, which was eighth-best in the majors, and drove in 126 runs, second only to Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.
Alonso, a home-grown Mets star, spent seven seasons in Queens. This year he became the franchise's all-time home run leader, surpassing eight-time All-Star Darryl Strawberry.