The New York Mets have publicly stated they are open to the possibility of re-signing Pete Alonso, but a potential curveball has been thrown into the mix: their cross-town rivals, the New York Yankees, are reportedly considering making a play for the Mets’ beloved first baseman. This development adds a spicy narrative to the upcoming free agency period, potentially seeing a homegrown Mets icon switching allegiances to the Bronx.
According to a report by New York Post’s insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees are eyeing Alonso as a strong “Plan B” option after missing out on Juan Soto, who ironically landed with the Mets. Heyman indicated that while names like Cody Bellinger and others are on the Yankees’ radar, the interest in Alonso appears to be mutual. This could set the stage for a dramatic tug-of-war for Alonso’s services right in the heart of New York City.
The buzz around Alonso potentially wearing pinstripes intensified after Heyman’s report highlighted Alonso’s openness to a Yankees move if the Mets don’t engage seriously in contract negotiations. The Yankees, having shown their financial muscle with a staggering $760 million offer for Soto, might be even more motivated to pursue Alonso, especially after seeing Soto in a Mets uniform.
https://t.co/F0npnECeCm In life after Soto, Yankees targeting a coterie of stars, including Bellinger, Alonso, Bregman, Tucker and more (details in here)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 12, 2024
Fresh off securing a massive $218 million deal with pitcher Max Fried, the Yankees’ coffers are likely still deep, suggesting they have the financial capacity to pursue another high-profile player like Alonso. The departure of Soto created an outfield void, but equally pressing is the first base situation in the Bronx. The Yankees declined Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million club option last November, signaling a clear intent to find a new anchor at first base.
Pete Alonso, despite what some consider a slight dip in his performance metrics last season, remains a potent offensive force. At 30 years old, he played every single game for the Mets and was instrumental in their journey to the NLCS. His stat line included a .240 batting average, a .329 on-base percentage, a .459 slugging percentage, 34 home runs, 31 doubles, 88 RBIs, and 91 runs scored. For a team needing power, Alonso’s consistent presence and offensive output are undeniable assets.
These numbers become even more appealing to the Yankees when considering their first base production, or lack thereof. Anthony Rizzo’s recent seasons have been plagued by injuries, limiting his game time and offensive contribution. Post-July 31st, after DJ LeMahieu’s grand slam, no Yankees first baseman managed to hit a home run for the remainder of the season. Alonso would immediately address this power vacuum at a crucial infield position.
While the Yankees made it to the World Series, their offense, outside of Soto and Giancarlo Stanton, often struggled with runners in scoring position during the playoffs. Pete Alonso’s proven track record of delivering in high-pressure postseason moments is a significant draw for a team aiming for a championship.
In the 2024 postseason, Alonso shone brightly, hitting .273 with an impressive .431 on-base percentage and a .568 slugging percentage, culminating in a .999 OPS. He launched four home runs, drove in 10 runs, and scored 10 runs in 13 games. His game-changing three-run homer against All-Star closer Devin Williams in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series is a testament to his clutch hitting ability.
Oh my God. Pete Alonso just hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the ninth inning off Devin Williams.
Pete Alonso has his Mets moment. Wow. Just wow. pic.twitter.com/WfVyxktAL4
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) October 4, 2024
However, the conversation around Alonso isn’t without its caveats. His defensive metrics, particularly his -9 Outs Above Average in the past season, are a concern. Defensive solidity was a point of criticism for the Yankees during their World Series run, making Alonso’s defensive liabilities a potential drawback. Furthermore, his OPS has seen a year-on-year decline, from .869 in 2022 to .821 in 2023, and further down to a career-low .788 in 2024. This raises questions about whether Alonso is entering a period of decline or if these are just statistical fluctuations.
The prospect of seeing a Mets fan-favorite like Pete Alonso in the iconic Yankees pinstripes is sure to be a bitter pill for Mets supporters to swallow, especially after the Mets themselves landed Juan Soto, seemingly at the Yankees’ expense. Alonso has recently commenced meetings with interested teams to gauge his market value, and while the Yankees’ interest is now public, the other teams in the mix remain largely undisclosed.
Should Alonso choose to sign with the Yankees, or any team other than the Mets, the Mets would need to pivot. Potential internal solutions include shifting Mark Vientos to first base, or they could explore alternative free-agent first basemen like Christian Walker. The unfolding drama of Pete Alonso’s free agency is one of the most compelling storylines as the baseball offseason progresses, with the tantalizing possibility of a major defection within New York City itself.
