The New York Yankees, a team often associated with strategic acquisitions and impactful signings, might have once again found themselves on the periphery of a significant free agency development. While it’s become somewhat of an annual narrative for Yankee fans to dissect potential roster enhancements, the unfolding situation with Pete Alonso and the New York Mets presents a particularly compelling case of what could have been for the Bronx Bombers. Few could have predicted the rapid shift in Alonso’s standing with the Mets, leading to the current speculation about his future away from Citi Field.
Reports have surfaced suggesting a looming separation between Pete Alonso and the Mets after the 2024 season. The Mets reportedly believe their All-Star first baseman is likely to be playing for another team in 2025 and beyond. This news immediately ignited discussions across Major League Baseball, with numerous teams potentially in the market for a power-hitting first baseman like Alonso.
Initially, the Yankees weren’t prominently featured in these discussions. The widely anticipated high price tag for Alonso, rumored to be around $200 million over seven years, seemed to place him outside the Yankees’ immediate plans. Furthermore, the Yankees’ acquisition of veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal appeared to solidify their first base situation and seemingly close the door on any Alonso pursuit. This move provided the Yankees with flexibility, and at the time, appeared to be a prudent decision.
However, the evolving narrative around Alonso’s contract negotiations with the Mets has introduced a new layer of intrigue. The prospect of not having to face Alonso 13 times a season in the Subway Series is an attractive notion for Yankees management and fans alike. While the Toronto Blue Jays are also considered a potential landing spot for Alonso, a truly concerning scenario for the Yankees would be Alonso joining a division rival such as the Boston Red Sox or Baltimore Orioles.
Recent reports from credible sources like Joel Sherman of the New York Post have shed light on the Mets’ latest contract offer to Alonso. The Mets reportedly offered a three-year deal in the $60-$70 million range. This offer has been widely perceived as surprisingly low, especially considering Mets owner Steve Cohen’s reputation for significant spending. After the massive outlay for Juan Soto, it appears budget constraints might be playing a more significant role in the Mets’ strategy than previously anticipated.
This apparent reluctance from the Mets to commit long-term and at a premium price to Alonso raises questions about their valuation of the slugger. While Alonso’s 2024 performance might have presented some concerns, and as he enters his 30s, a long-term, exorbitant contract might be viewed with caution by some general managers, a three-year offer seems to undervalue a player of Alonso’s caliber, particularly given his established track record as a premier offensive threat.
Had the Yankees not finalized the Goldschmidt signing, this evolving situation could have presented a compelling opportunity. A three-year contract in the vicinity of $90 million, reportedly closer to Alonso’s desired terms in recent discussions, might have been palatable for the Yankees. Such a move would not only have added considerable firepower to the Yankees’ lineup but also injected significant drama and excitement into the iconic Subway Series rivalry. The narrative of Alonso switching boroughs, especially following Soto’s arrival in the Bronx, would have been a compelling storyline for baseball fans.
Now, with the Mets and Alonso seemingly heading towards a split, other American League contenders and rivals have a clearer path to potentially acquire Alonso. A motivated Alonso, possibly seeking to prove a point after perceived disrespect from the Mets, could be open to a favorable deal with a new team.
The Yankees, in the previous offseason, experienced a similar scenario with Blake Snell, where they ultimately didn’t secure the sought-after pitcher. Seizing the opportunity to sign Alonso after a publicized fallout with the Mets could have been a bold and impactful countermove, reminiscent of past Yankee strategies to capitalize on rival teams’ missteps. As it stands, the “Pete Alonso Yankees” scenario remains a tantalizing “what if” for fans in the Bronx, pondering a missed opportunity to potentially land a significant power bat and further fuel the legendary New York baseball rivalry.
