MLB insider issues verdict on Red Sox primed to ditch ace market to chase Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber

The Boston Red Sox are looking to strengthen the roster this offseason after being eliminated by fierce rivals the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card series last month.

The AL East franchise are linked with some of the top free agent hitters like Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber in the offseason. MLB insider Alex Speier reported that the team is unlikely to add any major free agent pitchers and is focused on signing a top bat.

“One major league source suggested the Red Sox are unlikely to pursue top free agent starting pitchers, given the expectation that they will need to spend heavily to add a bat — whether Alex Bregman or the pursuit of Pete Alonso or Kyle Schwarber," Speier wrote.

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“One major league source suggested the Red Sox are unlikely to pursue top free agent starting pitchers, given the expectation that they will need to spend heavily to add a bat — whether Alex Bregman or the pursuit of Pete Alonso or Kyle Schwarber.” - @alexspeier

The reports follow the news of the Red Sox adding veteran right-handed pitcher and three-time All-Star Sonny Gray in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. Boston sent righty prospect Richard Fitts and lefty prospect Brandon Clarke to the Cardinals as part of the trade.

Gray waived his no-trade clause to facilitate a move to Boston and Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged the All-Star pitcher's interest in the team.

"The no-trade [clause] is a great barometer for how interested a player is in coming to a specific destination,” Breslow said. “So kind of by the nature of Sonny's willingness to waive it to come here, I think that says a lot about his interest.

Red Sox could be overlooking top free agent talents this offseason

While re-signing Alex Bregman or adding Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber would boost the hitting order, the Red Sox could use another top arm behind Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray.

This year's free agency market features a few exciting names, but they come with their own risks. Former Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez is a top free agent arm despite his volatility.

Former San Diego Padres starter Dylan Cease and former Philadelphia Phillies flamethrower Ranger Suarez could also draw plenty of attention this offseason.