Red Sox's Top MLB Free Agent Targets After Missing Out on Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso

The Boston Red Sox need a bat for the middle of their lineup, but they lost out on a potential target Tuesday and another Wednesday.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Kyle Schwarber is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies on a five-year, $150 million deal on Tuesday.

Passan then reported Wednesday that the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with Pete Alonso.

Schwarber played for the Red Sox during the 2021 season, and Lauren Campbell of Mass Live reported they were one of the teams "known to be interested in" the slugger. That was especially the case for Boston since he would have filled the team's "top remaining need of a middle-of-the-bat power hitter."

Alonso would have as well, but he joined an American League East rival.

With that in mind, here are some potential targets for the front office to shift its attention toward after the Schwarber and Alonso news:

• Alex Bregman
• Bo Bichette
• Ketel Marte (via trade)
• Isaac Paredes (via trade)

"We still are going to prioritize someone who can hit in the middle of the order and kind of change the overall outlook of the offense," chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said, per Campbell.

Bregman stands out considering he played for Boston last season and was an All-Star with a resume that includes two World Series titles, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the third baseman "still appears to be the Red Sox's No. 1 target, in part because of the defensive upgrade he provided over Rafael Devers."

However, he also listed Marte and Paredes as possible trade candidates if they are unable to land an impact free agent.

Bichette would fit the bill as a powerful bat in free agency as well, so there are plenty of options for Boston after finishing a middling 15th in the league in home runs during the 2025 campaign.

Bichette is also familiar with the American League East from his time on the Toronto Blue Jays and could help replace some lost offensive pop in the infield if Bregman signs elsewhere.

It seems like the Red Sox are eventually going to add an impact bat, even if they missed out on Schwarber on Tuesday and Alonso on Wednesday.