by Pete Alonso remains one of the most powerful hitters available in free agency. Here’s the latest on where the first baseman is hitting that’s sparking interest from both Mets And Yankees, could end…
December 19, 5:26 p.m
The market for Alonso, like virtually the entire first base market, has been slow to develop, and the slugger may have to wait a little longer before signing a new contract.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Alonso may have to wait until January or February to secure a deal given the number of first basemen available as a free agent.
Meanwhile, an American League manager called Alonso “a complicated player.”
“He’s in his 30s and a right-handed first baseman who’s good – but probably has his best year behind him,” the manager said. “He’s not a defender and he’s not an athlete, but he has no problem being in the spotlight. He hits home runs and hits them in big spots. He’s a tough guy.”
December 19, 11:57 am
Teams are “hesitant” to give Alonso a long-term contract, reports ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who notes that teams “see great value in signing him for the next few years.”
Alonso, who has two away games under his belt, will begin his 30-and-under season in 2025.
The Mets reportedly offered him a seven-year, $158 million extension during the 2023 season that would have bought out his final year in arbitration and lasted through 2030.
Alonso earned $20.5 million last season.
David Stearns And Steve Cohen have repeatedly said that the Mets hope to keep Alonso, whose market has been slow to develop.
In addition to the Mets, the Yankees are also linked to Alonso. But he seems like an odd candidate for the Bronx since the Yanks already have two right-handed power hitters over 30 who hit at a relatively high rate.
December 17th, 1:16 p.m
The Yankees and Cubs are reportedly at an impasse when it comes to their potential Cody Bellinger As a result, the Bombers have now turned their attention to the first base free agent market.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees are “in discussions” with Alonso, Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, And Paul Goldschmidt.
Alonso would certainly be an interesting addition to the Yankees, who as currently constructed are a predominantly right-handed batting team and already have a few powerful, high-volume strikeout hitters Aaron Richter And Giancarlo Stanton.
Dec. 12, 5:01 p.m
Then speak Juan Soto‘s introductory press conference, Mets owner Steve Cohen expressed optimism about a reunion with Alonso.
“Hopefully we can get it done,” Cohen said, telling reporters that the Mets are “still” in contract negotiations with Alonso.
However, he provided an unforgettable playoff moment with his game-winning home run in the Wild Card Series Devin Williams (then with the Brewers), it will be interesting to see if teams look beyond his batting averages (.229/.324/.480 over the last two seasons) to the 226 home runs he has hit since 2019 – the most in history National League and second best of all baseball players Aaron Richter (232).
