JUST IN: Pete Alonso is on the Verge of Finalizing Deal That Could End Mets Era.
Could free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso be bringing his potent bat to the American League East? According to a Thursday report from SNY’s Andy Martino, negotiations between Alonso and the Toronto Blue Jays are progressing, though no deal has been finalized just yet. While talks are moving forward, there’s still no guarantee that an agreement will be reached.
Sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that discussions between Alonso and the Blue Jays are advancing. However, it’s important to note that the deal is not yet completed, and it’s unclear if both sides will ultimately come to terms.
Alonso’s market took a significant turn after a prolonged period of silence. Just last week, the New York Mets revealed that they were pivoting away from re-signing their star slugger, especially after he rejected their latest contract offer. The Mets, who had been engaged in discussions with Alonso for weeks, have since focused on re-signing outfielder Jesse Winker and bolstering their bullpen with the addition of reliever A.J. Minter.
In a recent report from The New York Post’s Joel Sherman, it was revealed that the Mets made what they considered to be a final attempt to secure Alonso’s services by offering a short-term, three-year contract in the range of $68 million to $70 million. However, after Alonso turned down that offer, the Mets shifted their strategy, effectively signaling that they were moving on from their homegrown slugger.
This turn of events aligns with the broader context of the offseason. Most of the top first basemen have already found new homes, and the teams most in need of a first baseman have typically settled for shorter-term solutions. With less than three weeks remaining before spring training, Alonso, one of the most prolific power hitters in the game, finds himself without a team.
Adding to this uncertainty is the philosophy of Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns. Stearns is not known for making big splashes when it comes to overspending on players with specific skill sets, and Alonso’s profile may not be aligned with what the Mets are looking for. Alonso’s struggles with defensive range and his declining exit velocities could be contributing factors to the Mets’ decision to hold off on offering him a significant deal.
Even if Alonso agrees to terms with the Blue Jays or the Mets, it’s unlikely he will come close to the seven-year, $158 million offer he turned down from the previous Mets front office, according to reports. This offer, which was made under the former regime, would have set him up for a substantial payday, but Alonso’s market has shifted significantly since then.
Alonso, a four-time All-Star and the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year, has spent his entire career with the Mets since being drafted by the team in 2016. Over the course of his six seasons in Major League Baseball, Alonso has solidified his place as one of the league’s premier sluggers. His 226 career home runs rank second in all of baseball since his debut in 2016, behind only the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge. Additionally, his 586 career RBIs are the most in the majors during that span, placing him sixth on the Mets’ all-time list.
However, despite Alonso’s impressive power numbers, he has become the type of player that some teams are hesitant to make significant investments in. As a 30-year-old first baseman, his performance has begun to show signs of decline in certain areas. His exit velocities, once among the best in the league, have dropped, and he is often regarded as a liability defensively, ranking low in terms of range. Moreover, Alonso’s speed, which ranks in the 19th percentile of sprint speed, limits his overall value.
In essence, Alonso is now seen largely as a one-dimensional player who relies heavily on his power to make an impact. While his bat is still formidable, teams are increasingly wary of investing heavily in a player with limited contributions outside of hitting home runs.
As the offseason winds down and spring training approaches, it remains to be seen whether Alonso will ultimately land with the Blue Jays, the Mets, or another team. But one thing is certain: the dynamic first baseman will have to make a decision soon if he hopes to be ready for the start of the 2025 season.