"I would imagine a reunion with the Mets" - MLB insider dismisses Pete Alonso to Yankees rumors
The New York Yankees are reportedly shopping first baseman after they seemed to suggest that their newest trade acquisition, Cody Bellinger, will play center field, allowing captain Aaron Judge to get back to right field.
This leaves them with few options for the position. Christian Walker and Pete Alonso are the best players available at the position, with Paul Goldschmidt also in the fray but he is 37, which means with him a short-term deal is more likely.
MLB insider Robert Murray appeared on Thursday's episode of the "Baseball Insiders" podcast with Adam Weinrib, where the duo discussed the Yankees' search for a first baseman. Murray feels Alonso's reunion with the Mets or any other team is more likely than the Yankees signing him.
"I saw John Heyman mention Pete Alonso's name with the Yankees, but I would imagine a reunion with the Mets or going elsewhere would appear more likely" Murray said (8:20 onwards). "I can’t imagine the Yankees being in a hurry to give out a long-term contract there."
Robert Murray throws light on Yankees buzz with respect to Paul Goldschmidt and Christian Walker
While dismissing Pete Alonso to Yankees rumors, Robert Murray also shed light on the Yankees potentially going after veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt or Christian Walker, who can be an upgrade over declining Anthony Rizzo there.
"They’ve had interest in Paul Goldschmidt; that is a player they do like," Murray said. "As for the Yankees, they have had talks with Christian Walker's camp. I heard that buzz at the winter meetings that those two sides were talking, but the reports of a deal being imminent or close during the winter meetings were greatly exaggerated.
"Nothing has ever been close between the Yankees and Christian Walker. They do like him, but nothing has been close at this point."
There's another top free agent on the market: Alex Bregman, but he plays third base. However, if the Yankees go after him, they'll have to move Jazz Chisholm from third to second. How they decide to go about their things to fill infield spots will be intriguing.