The Boston Red Sox finished last season ranked fifteenth in home runs and struggled to generate power late in the year, posting the third fewest homers in baseball after August began. With the lineup lacking consistent pop, adding a big bat has become an obvious offseason priority.
This winter happens to feature one of the most dangerous power hitters in the sport. Kyle Schwarber, who topped the National League in home runs last season, has been tied to Boston in several early rumors. Despite that speculation, MLB reporter Bob Nightengale shared a notable update ahead of the winter meetings, indicating that Schwarber’s chances of leaving the Philadelphia Phillies may not be very strong.
One general manager told Nightengale that he would be surprised if Schwarber departed Philadelphia, explaining that Dave Dombrowski understands the slugger’s importance to the clubhouse and is unlikely to let him walk. If that holds true, Boston may need to prepare for an alternate plan rather quickly. They will not be the only club forced to adjust either. Nightengale also pointed to the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles as teams with real interest in Schwarber.
Schwarber will be thirty three heading into next season, and ESPN insider Jeff Passan reported that a contract of around five years might be required to sign him. That length could give some teams pause considering his age and offensive profile, which leans heavily on power production.
Even so, there is little evidence that his performance is slowing. Schwarber finished as the National League MVP runner up, earned his third All Star selection and appeared in all 162 games for the first time in his career. His durability and home run output continue to make him one of the most intimidating hitters in the league.
Should the Red Sox miss out on Schwarber, the market offers other ways to add middle of the order power. Pete Alonso is set to reach free agency and would provide an instant boost. Japanese star Munetaka Murakami is another intriguing possibility, bringing elite slugging potential and the type of offensive upside that Boston could use as it looks to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming season.