"Pete Alonso ain't going anywhere" - Justin Verlander's brother confident Steve Cohen re-signs 'Polar Bear' despite interest from Yankees, Cubs
Pete Alonso, a four-time All-Star and a former Rookie of the Year is one of the biggest names in the free agency after his contract with the New York Mets ran out this season.
A fan-favorite during his time with the Mets, Alonso is a reliable option for any team looking to add power in the middle order. While his first free agency is expected to garner interest from several teams, Astros ace Justin Verlander's brother and analyst Ben Verlander thinks Alonso was "born to be a New York Met."
In an episode of his podcast "Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander," the MLB analyst discussed the upcoming free agency (9:50):
"Pete Alonso is going to be one of the biggest bats available come this free agency. You have some other first basemen out there, Christian Walker is a big name available, but Pete Alonso is a big name here just because of the thump he brings to the middle of the lineup."
Although the 'Polar Bear' has been linked with the city rivals the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs, Verlander weighed in the Mets' favor:
"I think Pete Alonso is the definition of a New York Met. I don't think he is going anywhere, Pete ain't going anywhere. Pete's gonna re-sign, gonna be the first baseman for the Mets. Pete was born to be a New York Met."
Pete Alonso's future could hinge on Juan Soto's free agency
Pete Alonso has been linked with the Mets and Yankees in free agency and is reportedly expected to attract a $200 million contract. However, the two New York teams are also reported to be heavily interested in the biggest free agent this year, Juan Soto.
Soto, who is coming off a stellar season with the Bronx Bombers, registering career-best numbers in his run through to the World Series, is expected to land a contract north of $500 million.
The team signing the Dominican All-Star is unlikely to pursue Alonso due to the hefty payrolls of the Mets and Yankees. However, the team missing out on Soto could turn to Alonso given his experience of playing in the Bronx.