"Pete Alonso is not on Yankees radar" - Sportscaster claims Bronx Bombers have "zero interest" in ex-Mets free agent
Free agent first baseman Pete Alonso is a hot commodity on the market but isn't being chased by the Yankees, according to analyst Rich Eisen. The Yankees have made many splashes this offseason, including Max Fried and trading for Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger. Since Bellinger and Jazz Chisholm provide flexibility to play anywhere on the field, first base isn't their top priority at the moment.
Alonso had a down year with the Mets, hitting .240 along with 34 home runs. He could eye a long-term deal this offseason, but as Eisen said, the Yankees won't be the one offering it.
"The Yankees, I can tell you this right now, he is not on the Yankees' radar screen," Eisen said on The Rich Eisen Show (4:36 onwards). "They're not going to sign somebody for multiple long-term years to stick at first base. That’s what I heard. As for Bellinger, right now, this is the reason why the Yankees got him—for a pitcher who only started four games for the Yankees last year, and they also got cash from the Cubs.
"It's because Cody Bellinger can walk out of his contract after next year. This could be another one-year deal, so it’s like a rental ... I’ve been told the Yankees have zero interest in Pete Alonso."
Yankees engaged in talks with multiple free agents, including Pete Alonso
Contrary to what Rich Eisen believes, according to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Yankees are "engaged in talks" with Alonso, Christian Walker, Carlos Santana and Paul Goldschmidt.
It could happen if the Yankees don't see Cody Bellinger taking up first base. In that case, Alonso would be a pretty good fit and fare well alongside other power hitters like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. He could fill the void left by Juan Soto, especially in power numbers.
Soto's Mets are also the frontrunners to sign Alonso this season. Mets owner Steve Cohen is confident that they would make it happen.
“Hopefully, we’ll get there,” Cohen said of Alonso's free agency.
It remains to be seen if Steve Cohen and Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner flex their pockets for Pete Alonso in another bidding war.