The Boston Red Sox made headlines this offseason with a flurry of activity, but not every big-name free agent ended up in a Red Sox uniform. And while some fans may have been disappointed at the time, early returns suggest the front office may have dodged a bullet—especially when it comes to one particular $155 million slugger.

Among the stars Boston was linked to was first baseman Pete Alonso. The five-time All-Star was coming off an impressive 2025 campaign, raising his batting average by 32 points while still mashing 35-plus home runs. The Red Sox reportedly made an offer, but concerns over Alonso's age kept them from going all in. That offer was for fewer years and less money than the deal he eventually signed with the Baltimore Orioles: a five-year, $155 million contract.

Fast forward to the early weeks of the season, and that decision is looking increasingly shrewd. Alonso is off to a slow start, hitting just .218 with eight home runs. Meanwhile, the Red Sox had a clear need at first base, especially with Triston Casas sidelined by injury. Instead of overpaying for Alonso, Boston pivoted and acquired Willson Contreras—a move that's paying dividends.

Contreras has outperformed Alonso across the board: he boasts a better bWAR, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, and OPS+. He also has just as many home runs and RBIs—despite playing in four fewer games. And best of all? Contreras comes at a lower cost to the payroll and is under club control through 2028.

While the Red Sox may not be setting the league on fire just yet, at least they aren't handcuffed to a contract that's already looking like a risk. Meanwhile, the Orioles hold just a one-game lead over Boston—despite their big investment in Alonso. With plenty of season left, the Red Sox have time to turn things around, and they've done it without a deal they might soon regret.