When Boston decided to deal standout slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants last weekend, the Red Sox’ lineup suffered.
Red Sox supporters may not be very impressed with San Francisco’s return, but Boston does have some more options going forward if it wants to expand its squad.
Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million extension, which now stands at $254 million at this point in his contract, is being fully assumed by the Giants as part of the Devers transaction.
Boston may be able to reinvest the $27–31 million in year savings through 2033 in other areas of the roster, whether it be in free agency or the upcoming MLB trade deadline.
If Boston decides to use that money immediately, Red Sox fans should keep a watch on these eight players this season.
Kyle Tucker, RF, Chicago Cubs
Tucker doesn’t appear like Boston’s best offseason target at first sight.
Between Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela, the Red Sox already have an abundance of outfield choices, and Tucker would surely add to that.
Additionally, Tucker is very certain to get a contract on the open market that will pay more than the $313.5 million Devers received from Boston in January 2023.
A wild game at Wrigley Field with NINE home runs!Kyle Tuckerpic at number 15.PdJSMAseGD on Twitter
However, Tucker, who is 28 years old and has already had an MVP-caliber season with the Cubs, is also the best position player available this offseason. At the moment, the three-time All-Star is hitting.283 with Chicago and is on track to reach over 30 stolen bases, 95 RBI, and 30 home homers.
In addition to providing the Red Sox the flexibility to deal an outfielder or two to meet needs elsewhere, Tucker would be a franchise mainstay in the middle of Boston’s lineup for the next seven or more years.
Earlier this week, Jon Heyman of the New York Post mentioned Tucker as a possible Red Sox match.
Dylan Cease, SP, San Diego Padres
With Garrett Crochet, the Red Sox have their ace in place.
But if Boston were to add a genuine No. 2 option to their starting rotation after Crochet, it would greatly increase their chances of being a top contender.
Because of this, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Red Sox were one of the teams prepared to put Cease up for sale this winter.
Ahead of his free-agent year, the 29-year-old right-hander has had a poor season with San Diego thus far (4.43 ERA). However, Cease has been among baseball’s top starters for a long time. He placed second in the 2022 AL Cy Young Award voting with Chicago and fourth in the 2024 NL Cy Young voting with San Diego.
Wicked 89mph Slider by Dylan Cease, pic.twitter.com/f1RKk1NshY
Cease has recorded 200+ strikeouts every season since 2021 and is on track to strike out 232 batters in 185 innings of work this season.
For a team like the Red Sox, he would be a perfect No. 2, but would Boston defy expectations once more and offer a big contract to a starter who turns 30 at the end of December?
Michael King, SP, San Diego Padres
King, who turned 30 on May 25, is older than Cease and has a different record than his Padres buddy.
With San Diego, King was profitable in 2024, pitching 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 173.2 innings. Before being on the injured list in May due to a pinched nerve, he was very effective early in the season (4-2, 2.59 ERA).
The shutout is completed by Michael King!SuMXdYvlYw pic.twitter.com/
King is an older righty with some injury issues this season; it’s uncertain if the Red Sox will prioritize signing him. Granted, even while his ceiling would be identical, his price tag might not be as high as Cease’s currently on the open market.
Pete Alonso, 1B, New York Mets
A slugger like Alonso makes perfect sense if the Red Sox are trying to figure out how to duplicate Devers’ explosive pop at the plate.
After vowing not to pitch this season, Alonso is probably going to opt out of his contract with New York this winter. He is on track to hit 38 home runs and record an incredible 135 RBI with the Mets in 2025, and he is already batting.293.
This baseball #FridayNightBaseballpic.twitter.com/86PsTxCmZA was disciplined by Pete Alonso.
If the 30-year-old righty signs with the Red Sox, he may be guaranteed to hit more than 30 home runs over the Green Monster. With a power hitter like Alonso, the Red Sox might establish some consistency (and proven output) at first base, where Boston’s status is currently uncertain due to Triston Casas’ knee ailment.
Josh Naylor, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks
Over the past few seasons, Naylor has emerged as one of baseball’s more underappreciated hitters and is a less expensive option than Alonso.
He batted.308 in 2023 with the Guardians, hitting 17 home runs and 97 RBI. In 2024, he hit 31 home runs and 108 RBI with Cleveland. Naylor is hitting.300 so far in 2025 with Arizona and is on track to hit 19 home runs and record 104 RBI.
On #FridayNightBaseball (MLB x@Chevrolet), Josh Naylor ties the game (pic.twitter.com/nCaSgoEa6f).
The 28-year-old Naylor would be a valuable addition to the lineup, particularly at a position of weakness on the squad, even if his defense isn’t strong at first.
Zac Gallen, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Gallen, who has been one of the league’s most prolific starters in recent years, is having a forgettable 2025 season thus far, going 5-8 with a 5.60 ERA in 16 starts. In 2022 and 2023, the 29-year-old righty finished in the top five for the NL Cy Young, but his walk rate has also increased this season.
Even though Gallen’s numbers have been declining over the past two years, he might be ready for a change of pace after playing for Arizona for seven seasons. Nevertheless, considering those recent tendencies, organizations may be reluctant to offer him a big contract.
Knuckle Curve (home plate perspective) by Zac Gallen, pic.twitter.com/HnXtdvrwSf
Kyle Schwarber, DH, Phillies
The wisest course of action would be to offer Schwarber a deal this winter if the Red Sox want to add 30–40 home runs to their lineup with minimal effort.
It was a poor decision to let Schwarber walk away from Boston following his brief 2021 stay, given that the slugger has since clubbed 154 home runs in his four seasons with the Phillies. This season, he is on track to hit 48 home runs and record 114 RBI.
Despite being a defensive liability, the 32-year-old veteran Schwarber would give Boston’s lineup some pop.
Schwarber, KylePostseason Grand SlamHouston Astros are the opponent.Pitcher: Urquidy, JosDate: October 18, 21V3mSth8HQF https://t.co/cuWnIUQDXDpic.twitter.com
Munetaka Murakami, 1B/3B, Tokyo Yakult Swallows (NPB)
The 25-year-old Murakami, who has been one of the league’s most feared sluggers for years, appears to be playing his final season in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.
Murakami has hit 30 or more home runs in five different seasons during his eight-year career in Japan. In 2022, he established the NPB record with 56 home runs. Murakami projects as a 30-homer infielder who is just starting to reach his prime, even if his MLB stats decline.
A prompt response from Japan!To wrap this out, Munetaka Murakami hit a solo home run!Twitter: pic.twitter.com/8CJJsoe1M2
He could be a wise investment for a team like the Red Sox in need of some power in the middle of their lineup, although expect other deep-pocketed teams like the Yankees and Dodgers to be involved in the bidding.
Since 2023, Conor Ryan has worked as a staff writer for Boston.com, covering the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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