Red Sox free agent idea sends $20 million slugger to Boston

The Boston Red Sox currently sit with a 40-39 record and are in a great spot to make their first postseason since 2021.

Boston is well-positioned to make the playoffs for years to come, and this offseason could be when the team finally starts spending big money.

One position the team should try to improve this winter is first base, and Conor Ryan from Boston.com thinks the Red Sox should try to sign Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor.

"A cheaper alternative to Alonso, Naylor has established himself as one of the more underrated hitters in baseball over the last few seasons," Ryan wrote. "In 2023, he batted .308 with 17 home runs and 97 RBI with the Cleveland Guardians, following that up with 31 home runs and 108 RBI in 2024 with Cleveland. So far in 2025 with Arizona, Naylor is batting .300 and is on pace for 19 home runs and 104 RBI. Even if his defense at first isn't strong, the 28-year-old Naylor would be a strong addition to the lineup, especially at an area of weakness on the roster."

Naylor is a one-time All-Star, making his first appearance last season with the Cleveland Guardians, but his career is on the rise.

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Naylor's market value is listed at $20 million a season, so the Red Sox won't have to pay Naylor as much as someone like New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.

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