For New York baseball fans, the offseason is always a rollercoaster of rumors and potential player movements. Recently, speculation has swirled around the New York Mets’ first baseman, Pete Alonso, and whether he could potentially switch allegiances to their cross-town rivals, the New York Yankees. With other first base options being snapped up by different teams, the question on everyone’s mind is: Did Pete Alonso Sign With The Yankees?
Let’s clear the air right away: No, Pete Alonso did not sign with the Yankees. Despite some fans perhaps dreaming of this blockbuster move, Alonso remains firmly within the Mets organization, and signs point towards a continued future in Queens.
The rumor mill started churning as first base became a hot commodity in the free agency market. Christian Walker, another sought-after first baseman, inked a three-year, $60 million deal with the Houston Astros. Adding fuel to the fire, veteran Paul Goldschmidt, a player the Mets reportedly had discussions with, agreed to a one-year, $12.5 million contract – but with the New York Yankees, not the Mets.
This flurry of activity understandably led to questions about the Mets’ plans at first base. With these short-term options off the table, attention naturally turned back to their own star, Pete Alonso. Alonso, a franchise cornerstone and fan favorite, is still a free agent, but all indications suggest a return to the Mets is the most probable outcome.
Both Alonso’s camp and the Mets management have publicly expressed mutual interest in continuing their partnership. While the free agency market for Alonso has been surprisingly slow, his value to the Mets is undeniable. After making waves by landing superstar outfielder Juan Soto in a massive trade, the Mets are clearly aiming to contend, and retaining Alonso’s powerful bat in the middle of their lineup is a crucial piece of that puzzle.
Image: Pete Alonso at bat for the New York Mets, showcasing his powerful hitting stance.
Alonso’s agent, the prominent Scott Boras, also represents Juan Soto, further intertwining their futures with the Mets. Reports suggest that some teams have been hesitant to commit long-term to a 30-year-old power-hitting first baseman like Alonso. However, Alonso’s significance to the Mets transcends just his on-field performance. He is a homegrown talent who has rapidly climbed the Mets’ all-time home run leaderboard, currently within striking distance of Darryl Strawberry’s record.
Since his debut in 2019, Alonso has established himself as one of baseball’s premier power hitters, racking up the second-most home runs in the league during that span. His consistent All-Star caliber play and connection with Mets fans make him an invaluable asset to the franchise.
Re-signing Alonso would not only solidify the Mets’ lineup but also generate significant excitement among fans after the Soto acquisition. Retaining Alonso would send a clear message that the Mets are serious about contending for a World Series title.
It’s worth noting that Alonso previously declined a seven-year, $158 million extension offer from the Mets. However, circumstances have changed, and with limited alternatives available, both sides may find common ground.
With Walker and Goldschmidt now off the market, the Mets’ options at first base are narrowing. They could explore alternative scenarios, such as signing Alex Bregman and shifting Mark Vientos to first base, considering a veteran like Carlos Santana, or even delving into the trade market for players like Yandy Diaz, Nathaniel Lowe, or Josh Naylor. Another option could be a short-term “stopgap” signing, potentially paving the way to pursue Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in free agency next year.
Image: The iconic New York Mets logo prominently displayed on the field, representing the team’s brand and aspirations.
However, considering Alonso’s proven track record, his popularity with fans, and the Mets’ aspirations to compete at the highest level, re-signing Pete Alonso appears to be the most logical and impactful move for the team. For the Mets and their fans, keeping “Polar Bear” in Queens for the foreseeable future simply makes too much sense. While Pete Alonso signing with the Yankees remains a non-story, his continued presence with the Mets is a narrative that New York baseball fans can eagerly anticipate.
