Red Sox ‘Make Sense’ for Free-Agent Reunion With $79 Million Slugger

There are still nearly two months left in the MLB season and even with the Red Sox having dropped two of three in San Diego, they’re still well-positioned to be a playoff team, trailing the Blue Jays by 4.0 games in the AL East and sitting with a three-game cushion for a wild-card spot.

But no matter how things shake out down the stretch, the Red Sox still must be encouraged by the way this team has played, with the emergence of rookies Roman Anthony and Carlos Narvaez, the development of Wilyer Abreu, the return to relevance of Trevor Story, the payoff on the bet made that Garrett Crochet can be an ace, the way faith in Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello has paid off–there’s a lot to like.

There is also much to be done in the future. Signing Alex Bregman is Job 1, but getting another major bat in the order to replace departed slugger Rafael Devers is a top order of business, too. And the Red Sox could find one by dipping into their recent past.

Kyle Schwarber Thriving This Season

That’s because the Phillies are seeing veteran slugger Kyle Schwarber thrive, even at age 32. Schwarber, of course, is familiar to the Red Sox, because he was the key deadline addition in 2021 who helped power Boston’s second-half run that season and got them all the way to the ALCS, where they lost to the Astros.

Schwarber was an All-Star this season, hitting .252 with 41 home runs (most in the National League) and 95 RBIs (also most in the NL). He also happens to be headed for free agency, and while the Phillies would be heavy favorites to keep Schwarber, he has an affinity for Boston, too.

Schwarber is in the final year of a four-year, $79 million contract.

Red Sox Reunion ‘Makes Sense’

MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided says that if Schwarber genuinely lets himself be shopped in free agency this winter, the Red Sox would be a sensible fit.

“He has thrived in Philadelphia,” Murray said on the “Fair Territory” podcast, via NESN.

“He’s thrived in Boston. He’s thrived almost everywhere that he’s been. … And we’re at the point now where he absolutely belongs in the MVP conversation. Do I expect him to win it? No, but his name should absolutely be mentioned within the top five or even top three candidates for sure.

“And it is setting up for what should be one of the most interesting free agencies of this entire offseason. Schwarber is going to have a huge market … I would expect Philly to be involved. Boston makes a lot of sense as well.”

Again, it will be tough to outbid Philadelphia, where old friend Dave Dombrowski has control of the purse strings. But the Red Sox need a slugger, and Schwarber will be the top target.