The anger is understandable, if hyperbolic. It was only a year ago when the Sox carried through on their promise to land an ace when they traded for Garrett Crochet.

But Alonso seemed like the perfect player and personality for the Red Sox, a righthanded hitter they could plug into the lineup and count on for 35 homers and 110 RBIs.

Ultimately, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow wasn’t comfortable with the price, even one that wasn’t out of line by industry standards. It’s also worth noting that the Mets didn’t make an attempt to retain Alonso after four consecutive years as an All-Star. Their concerns were shared by the Red Sox.

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Pete Alonso inked a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles on Wednesday.Ishika Samant/Getty

Still, this was one of those big decisions that will help define Breslow’s tenure, for better or worse.

“These things don’t always line up, right?” he said. “We’ve got to make the best decision we can for the organization and the players have to make the best decisions they can for themselves for their families.”

The more immediate issue is what direction Breslow will take now to improve the lineup. That Alonso and Kyle Schwarber have signed puts Alex Bregman in an advantageous position. If the Sox balk at his price, the choices become much less obvious.

Other than to acknowledge that he fits their roster well, Breslow was dispassionate when discussing the idea of bringing Bregman back.

“We remain engaged with any player that we think can help us. He’s certainly one,” Breslow said.

That doesn’t sound like much like welcome back to Boston, Alex. And even if the Sox are willing to extend themselves financially for Bregman, could he trust them to further invest in the roster when needs arose?

With Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber off the board, Alex Bregman and agent Scott Boras are in an advantageous position at the negotiating table with the Red Sox.Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff

At this stage in his career, Bregman wants to play for a World Series contender. That’s also what Red Sox fans are expecting after the team asked them to live through a rebuild while continuing to raise ticket prices.

That started to pay off last season with an 89-win season and a playoff berth. Adding Alonso and/or Bregman to the lineup would have felt like a capstone. Now what?

Bregman remains in play, as does Japanese corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Signing Bo Bichette, who turns 28 in March, would add more of a contact hitter to the lineup — a skill set the Sox could use more of — while damaging a division rival. The Sox also could work the trade market.

If the Red Sox are unable to re-sign Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette would be the most likely option.Cole Burston/Getty

Breslow said again on Wednesday that the Sox are not counting on Triston Casas to play first base. They view anything he can give them as a bonus. It’s hard not to interpret that as the roster needing two more quality hitters, one who can produce in the middle of the order.

“We’re going to head back to Boston and continue to work,” Breslow said.

That’s not going to appease the masses, especially the person who felt compelled to post, “The Red Sox are an embarrassment!”

(There were several other exclamation points and a word that should not be printed here).

It wasn’t a good look on Wednesday. But spring training is two months away, not two weeks. Breslow’s work in revamping the organization has earned him the right to proceed as he sees fit. The idea is to make the right call, not the expedient one.

But if something worthwhile doesn’t “line up” before then, the responses on Wednesday will seem charming by comparison.

Ben argues the credibility of the HOF is in question with Jeff Kent getting elected over Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Roger Clemens.

Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at peteabeglobe.bsky.social‬.