"Pete Alonso in Boston is a much better player than Rafael Devers ": Fans buzz as analyst pours cold water on Kyle Schwarber rumors for Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are looking to strengthen the hitting lineup in the offseason after All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman opted out of his contract to become a free agent for a second time in two seasons.

With Bregman walking into free agency, the Red Sox are reportedly linked with two high-profile free agents: Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber.

MLB analyst Jarred Carrabis addressed the rumors in a conversation with MLB Network. Carrabis said the Phillies are unlikely to let Schwarber leave and the Red Sox are better off by signing Alonso.

"I love Kyle Schwarber with all my heart, but A) I don’t think the Phillies let him get away and B) Pete Alonso sounds like he’s the better fit for what the Red Sox are looking for this winter," Carrabis wrote on X.

Fans reacted to the Red Sox analyst's assessment of Alonso as a better fit for Boston.

"Pete does sound like a better fit ngl. But man, I love Kyle." "What about defense at first base? I feel like that’s been a big reason the defense in the infield has been poor the last couple years." "Red Sox would have to open the wallet for either of those guys and they haven't shown they're willing to do that in the last decade." "Been saying this, Bregman+alonso+a #2 pitcher = World Series on."

The addition of either Alonso or Schwarber will be a big boost, especially Schwarber, who is coming off a career year with the Phillies.

Red Sox legend David Ortiz weighed in on Pete Alonso rumors

Kyle Schwarber had a memorable stint with the Red Sox during the 2021 season, as he led Boston to a postseason spot. Red Sox legend David Ortiz shared his thoughts on the rumors, leaning toward Pete Alonso as a better option, while keeping Alex Bregman in the mix.

"Either way, you can be satisfied," Ortiz said. "You're talking about two monsters. But if I had to pick one, because I have Roman Anthony as a left-handed batter, I would go with a right-handed bat. There are a lot of left-handed power pitchers coming out of the bullpen. With these guys, they don't really care. "But you know (opponents) are going to be doing the match-ups. When you have two lefties, one behind the other. I think we've loaded up really well with lefties. One right-handed power hitter to take advantage of the monster, it'll be a plus.

The Red Sox were eliminated from the postseason after being defeated by the New York Yankees in the wild-card series. With potential power-hitting additions in the offseason, Boston would hope for a deeper postseason run next year.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash