Red Sox free agent pitch brings $123M 4x All-Star to Boston after Rafael Devers trade

The Boston Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. The move came as a shock, but it gives them more room to spend in free agency next winter.

The Red Sox have uncertainty at first base. Triston Casas came into the season with high expectations, but was playing poorly even before his injury. He was the center of trade rumors last offseason, and the Red Sox could opt to spend big on a first baseman and actually trade Casas this year.

The Red Sox managed to dump the entire rest of Devers' contract on the Giants. With over $270 million saved over the next eight-plus years, they can now explore free agents they otherwise would not have. First and foremost, the Red Sox may need to pay Alex Bregman, who will most likely opt out of his deal after the season. However, FanSided's Tim Boyle suggested the team will be in play for Pete Alonso now as well.

"Devers going to the Giants might make them less likely to pursue Pete Alonso in free agency," wrote Boyle. "What about the Red Sox? First base has been a problematic position for them and not just because of the injury to Triston Casas. A figurative destination for Alonso last offseason but not a truly rumored place for him to end up, the extra payroll wiggle room can change this.

"The more competition there is for Alonso, the worse off the Mets will be at retaining him. After all, one of the biggest reasons they were able to keep him was because so few teams got in on the bidding."

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Alonso is a four-time All-Star and one of the best home run hitters in the league. Since 2019, only Aaron Judge has hit more home runs than Alonso. Alonso returned to the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal that includes an opt-out after the season. He is once again hitting for power, but it's his average that will now drive up his price tag. Spotrac projects him to earn a four-year, $123 million deal in free agency.

Alonso is hitting .293 along with his 17 home runs. He leads the National League in doubles and all of baseball in RBIs. He played in every game last season and has done so this year as well.

More MLB: Red Sox's Alex Bregman expected to opt out after shocking Rafael Devers trade