Even after the departure of Rafael Devers, the Boston Red Sox are unaffected this season. Be it because of veteran Alex Bregman’s consistent performance or the sudden rise of their rookies like Roman Anthony and Carlos Narvaez, skipper Alex Cora’s team is most likely to play October baseball this season. However, there is still too much to be done for the future in Boston.

Yes, the rookies are shining whenever they are getting opportunities. But the Red Sox need more than a Bregman extension next season. And if the recent buzz is anything to go by, a reunion with the former slugger, who is having an MVP-level season, might be on the cards. Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies is on course to have his career-best season. The 32-year-old has already hit 41 home runs and is just eight homers shy of his career-best record. And the best part? He will be a free agent after this season. And according to the latest chatter, the Red Sox might just be his next destination.

“He’s thrived in Boston. He’s thrived almost everywhere that he’s been. And we’re at the point now where he absolutely belongs in the MVP conversation… It is setting up for what should be one of the most interesting free agencies of this entire offseason. Schwarber is going to have a huge market…” MLB insider Robert Murray said on the new episode of the Fair Territory podcast. Murray did not count an extension by the Phillies out yet, but per him, Boston will be an ideal destination.

“I would expect Philly to be involved. Boston makes a lot of sense as well,” Murray added. The fit is logical from Boston’s perspective, as they need a power bat and a solution at first base. Schwarber, who had a successful run with the team in 2021, would fill both roles effectively.

With the growing rumors that Bregman-Red Sox extension talks are stalled, the team cannot succeed without a cornerstone. On the contrary, if both Bregman and Schwarber can be secured, the Red Sox’s lineup would be scary, to say the least.

But the question is, would the Phillies let Schwarber go? They are reportedly willing to do whatever it takes to keep him in Philadelphia, but you can’t completely count the Red Sox out just yet.

The Red Sox are not out of the picture

“Very. Very intrigued,” Alex Cora said when asked about Schwarber’s looming free agency back in July. And honestly, it makes a lot of sense given where the Red Sox are right now. Schwarber might not be an everyday outfielder anymore, especially with Boston’s outfield already stacked, but he’d fit perfectly as a designated hitter and could even cover at first base. It’s worth noting that during his brief stint with the Sox in 2021, he played 10 games at first and handled the role just fine.

In that short stretch with Boston, Schwarber appeared in 41 regular-season games, posting an impressive .291 average with 7 HRs and 18 RBIs. Then came the postseason, where he played 11 games and contributed some timely hits as the Sox battled their way to the ALCS. And of course, no Red Sox fan will forget Game 3 of that series.

Schwarber’s grand slam was Boston’s third in two games, setting an MLB postseason record and igniting Fenway in a way only October baseball can. However, after declining his mutual option, Schwarber signed a $79 million contract with the Phillies, where he’s continued to produce at a high level. But that doesn’t mean Boston should count itself out. They will just have to be aggressive to have a shot.

If extension talks in Philadelphia stall and Schwarber hits free agency, the Red Sox could very well surprise people. After all, they’ve seen firsthand what Schwarber’s bat can bring to the clubhouse!