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Kyle Schwarber Reveals Disappointing Offseason Pursuit By Red Sox originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In the first inning of Tuesday night's game at Fenway Park, Major League home run leader Kyle Schwarber launched another four-bagger into the bullpen beyond the right-field wall, marking his fifth straight game with a homer.
Unfortunately, he doesn't play for the Boston Red Sox. He could have, but the Red Sox didn't even make him an offer last winter.
Boston entered last offseason desperately needing an elite power bat after trading Rafael Devers. Fortunately, two of the sport's top sluggers, Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, were both available as free agents.
The Red Sox didn't come close to signing either of them. Their offer to Alonso was well below what he received from the Baltimore Orioles, and they never made Schwarber an offer.
"We had the phone call, the Zoom, whatever it is," Schwarber told Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. "There was a conversation. [The Sox’ pursuit] kind of just started and ended with the conversation."
While many expected the reigning National League home run and RBI champ to return to the Philadelphia Phillies, which he did, Boston could have at least tried to make a play for him and drive up his asking price. Even the Pittsburgh Pirates, who rarely splurge for free agents, made him a serious offer.
Not seriously pursuing a reunion with Schwarber, who starred for the Red Sox in 2021 and owns elite career numbers at Fenway Park, has proven to be a massive missed opportunity for them.
Boston enters play on Wednesday with one of the worst offenses in baseball, ranking 29th in home runs and slugging percentage. Meanwhile, Schwarber has as many home runs this season as the Red Sox have wins (17).
Had they signed Schwarber when they had the chance, they'd likely have a few more homers and victories this year.
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