Alonso a potential fit for Yankees
MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding Pete Alonso.
Nov. 2: Yankees reportedly view Alonso as backup plan for Soto
As expected, the Yankees declined Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 club option ($17 million) on Saturday, opening up a vacancy at first base. How the Yankees address that spot could depend on what happens with free-agent superstar Juan Soto.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman hears that Alonso is a "prime backup plan" for the Yankees if they are unable to re-sign Soto. Alonso's future with the Mets could also be tied to Soto, who is expected to be courted aggressively by Alonso's former club.
The 29-year-old Alonso headlines a strong group of free-agent first basemen that also includes Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana and Josh Bell.
The position was a weak spot for the Bronx Bombers in 2024, with Yankees first basemen posting the second-worst wRC+ (76) in MLB.
Oct. 31: Will Mets move on from Alonso?
The World Series came to an end on Wednesday, which means Alonso is now a free agent.
It remains to be seen how aggressively the Mets will pursue a reunion with the right-handed slugger, who ranks third on the team’s all-time home run list (226) behind Darryl Strawberry (252) and David Wright (242).
The Mets could be one of MLB's top spenders this offseason, but it's possible they will prioritize other marquee free agents (such as Juan Soto) over Alonso, who reportedly turned down a significant nine-figure deal before the 2023 Trade Deadline and is coming off what was statistically his worst season as a big leaguer, having set full-season career lows in home runs (34) and OPS (.788). If Alonso departs, the Mets have a potential in-house replacement in Mark Vientos, their regular third baseman in 2024.
Of course, an Alonso return can’t be fully ruled out. The first baseman has been a pivotal figure for the Mets since his debut in 2019, and he just had a postseason that won’t soon be forgotten. Mets owner Steve Cohen also has a strong relationship with Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras.
“We’ll see what happens,” Alonso said after the Mets’ season-ending loss to the Dodgers in the NLCS. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. But I love New York. I love this team. I love playing in Queens. This group is really special, and the memories that we’ve created together are just -- wow. This is why we play baseball.”