Pete Alonso remains one of the best power-hitting bats available in free agency. Here’s the latest on where the slugging first baseman, who is drawing interest from both the Mets and Yankees, could end up…
Dec. 23, 8:43 a.m.
Over the last few days, five teams have found a new first baseman.
The Astros signed Christian Walker to a three-year deal, the Yankees inked Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal, the Nationals traded with the Rangers for Nathaniel Lowe, the Diamondbacks swung a deal with the Guardians for Josh Naylor, and Cleveland signed Carlos Santana to a one-year contract.
Of the above teams, four of them (the Astros, Yanks, Nats, and D-backs) were possible fits for Alonso.
After the flurry of moves, Alonso’s choices in free agency have shrunk — and so have the Mets’ first base options.
New York was reportedly considering Goldschmidt. Meanwhile, Walker and Santana were rational fallback options, and Naylor was a possible trade target.
Alonso’s market remains quiet, with the Giants (if they don’t sign Corbin Burnes) and Mariners (if they clear a lot of salary) potential fits.
But the Mets remain the most sensible landing spot for Alonso, with a possible reunion making all the sense in the world for both sides.
Dec. 20, 10:46 a.m.
The Yankees “appear increasingly likely to go with a more inexpensive option” at first base than Alonso, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, citing sources with knowledge of New York’s pursuits.
Meanwhile, SNY’s Andy Martino noted that he would be surprised if the Yanks signed any first baseman who has draft pick compensation attached. Alonso does, having rejected the Mets’ one-year qualifying offer.
Alonso is seeking a long-term deal, but there have not been any reports of teams offering him one yet.
The first baseman will be entering his age-30 season in 2025.
Other options for the Yankees could include free agents like Carlos Santana and Paul Goldschmidt, who both seem likely to sign one-year deals and do not have draft pick compensation attached.
Dec. 19, 5:26 p.m.
The market for Alonso has been slow to develop, as it’s been for virtually the entire first base market, and the slugger may have to wait a bit longer before signing a new deal.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Alonso may have to wait until January or February to secure a deal, given the number of free agent first basemen available.
Meanwhile, an American League executive called Alonso “a complicated player.”
“He’s in his 30s and is a right-handed first baseman who is good – but probably had his best year already,” the executive said. “He’s not a defender and not an athlete, but he has no issue with the spotlight; he hits homers and hits them in big spots. He’s a tough one.”
Dec. 19, 11:57 a.m.
Teams are “hesitant” to give Alonso a long-term deal, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN, who notes that teams do see “great value in adding him for the next few years.”
Alonso, who is coming off two down campaigns, will be entering his age-30 season in 2025.
The Mets reportedly offered him a seven-year, $158 million extension during the 2023 season that would’ve bought out his final year of arbitration and run through 2030.
Alonso made $20.5 million last season.
David Stearns and Steve Cohen have repeatedly said that the Mets hope to retain Alonso, whose market has been slow to develop.
Along with the Mets, the Yankees have been connected to Alonso. But he would seem like a curious fit in the Bronx since the Yanks already have two right-handed power hitters over 30 who strike out at a relatively high clip.
Dec. 17, 1:16 p.m.
The Yankees and Cubs are reportedly at an impasse on a potential Cody Bellinger trade, so in the meantime, the Bombers have turned their attention to the first base free agent market.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees are “engaged in talks” with Alonso, Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, and Paul Goldschmidt.
Alonso would certainly be an interesting fit for the Yankees, who, as currently constructed, are a predominantly right-handed hitting team and already have a couple of high-volume strikeout hitters with power in Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
Dec. 12, 5:01 p.m.
Speaking after Juan Soto’s introductory news conference, Mets owner Steve Cohen expressed optimism about a reunion with Alonso.
“Hopefully, we’ll get there,” Cohen said, telling reporters that the Mets are “still engaged” in contract talks with Alonso.
Though he provided an unforgettable playoff moment with his Wild Card Series-winning home run off of Devin Williams (then with the Brewers), it will be interesting to see if teams look past his dropping numbers (.229/.324/.480 over the last two seasons) to the 226 home runs he’s hit since 2019 — the most in the National League and second in all of baseball to only Aaron Judge (232).
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