Adding power to the lineup could be a major key for the Boston Red Sox this winter. There are two exceptional, proven power hitters on the open market this winter.

Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber could be the talk of the winter meetings next week. However, one may be a better fit for the Red Sox than the other. Alonso is younger than Schwarber and has more versatility. Schwarber is a full-time designated hitter and would make it difficult for Alex Cora to maneuver his young players around the lineup.

Alonso is not a great defender at first base, but he can at least play there and give Cora an option in the designated hitter spot. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden urged the Red Sox to sign Alonso at the winter meetings and make him the everyday first baseman.

What would the Red Sox do with Triston Casas in this case? Well, the Red Sox have stated that they are not giving up on him, but he did suffer a season-ending knee injury last season. He could miss time next year, and they could use him as a designated hitter to get reacclimated.

Alonso has never missed more than 10 games in a season and rarely plays as a designated hitter. However, his agent, Scott Boras, has said this offseason that Alonso is open to playing more as a designated hitter.

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Neither Casas nor Alonso is a great defender, but Casas is better than the latter. If he hits well upon his return, he and Alonso could share first base and designated hitter duties. That may be a wise decision considering Alonso is aging as well. However, on days Alonso is at first base, Cora could choose from his surplus of outfielders to occupy the designated hitter spot.

Adding Alonso would give Cora the ability to play matchups with his designated hitter spot, allowing him to ensure all of his players get at-bats regularly.

Alonso would be an upgrade offensively over most first basemen in the league. He has 264 career home runs in the regular season. Last season, he became the New York Mets’ all-time home run leader. Alonso does not miss games and would be a great addition to any team.

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