Sportscaster sees 2 teams eyeing Pete Alonso after offseason moves of Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana, and Josh Naylor
Pete Alonso's first baseman market has gone relatively cold. Other available options like Christian Walker (agreed to Astros on three-year, $60 million deal), Paul Goldschmidt (agreed to Yankees on one year, $12.5 million deal), Carlos Santana (signed by Guardians on one year $12 million deal) and Josh Naylor (traded by Guardians to Diamondbacks) have found their next destinations.
However, these are deals Alonso might not have signed, as he was offered something very similar by his former team, the New York Mets, in an attempt to extend him.
As the market evolves, Mets sportscaster Rico Brogna has identified two teams — the Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals — as serious contenders for Alonso’s services.
"I think many Mets fans have seen these moves and thought, 'Oh no, no one’s interested in Alonso, and he’s going to have to crawl back and accept less.' But I believe there are still teams in play," Brogna said (8:40 onwards).
"Two teams come to mind that aren’t affected by these moves and could remain interested in Pete Alonso. All it takes is one team to break the market and give Pete more than what’s been dictated so far. The two teams I’m worried about are the Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs."
What’s next for Pete Alonso and the Mets?
According to Rico Brogna, the recent offseason moves in first baseman market have been dealt perfectly for Mets GM David Stearns, who could now sign Pete Alonso on a deal favorable to the organization.
"Alonso and Scott Boras may take any offer they receive back to the Mets," Brogna added. "The Mets may have essentially told Pete, 'Go shop around, see what you can get, and then come back to us.' If that’s true, it could deter other teams from making offers. Why would a team like the Nationals or Cubs waste time if they think the Mets are just going to match or beat their offer?
"If this is the Mets’ strategy, it’s brilliant on David Stearns’ part because it suppresses Alonso’s market value."
The Mets may have their sights on future stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (free agent after 2025 season) or Japanese phenom Munetaka Murakami in 2025, but that doesn’t solve their immediate needs.
As the market stands, Pete Alonso’s future remains uncertain. Fans in Queens can only hope that Alonso returns to the team where he has made his mark as one of baseball’s premier power hitters.