The New York Mets have been weighing the decision to trade Pete Alonso over recent weeks, entertaining offers that could potentially be too enticing to pass up.
One team showing keen interest is the Houston Astros, who find themselves in a dire situation at first base, prompting them to possibly pursue a trade aggressively.
Zach Pressnell, writing for FanSided, has proposed a trade scenario that could sway Houston’s decision-makers. According to the proposal, the Mets would send Alonso to the Astros in exchange for a package including shortstop Brice Matthews, outfielder Zach Cole, and right-handed pitcher Miguel Ullola.
Both Matthews and Cole rank among the top prospects in Houston’s farm system, making this potential deal appealing from a Mets perspective, especially considering Alonso would essentially be a rental player.
Matthews, drafted by the Astros in the first round of the 2023 MLB draft, has showcased impressive progress in the minors this season. Across various levels, he boasts a batting line of .276/.397/.481 with eight home runs and 17 stolen bases. Known for his power potential and athleticism, Matthews has the makings of a future power-hitting infielder, with past achievements including a standout 20-20 season at Nebraska.
Cole, on the other hand, offers a strong defensive presence along with power at the plate, potentially excelling at multiple outfield positions. In Double-A last season, he recorded a .263/.378/.474 slash line, launching 19 home runs while stealing 37 bases. His all-around skill set positions him as another candidate for a 20-20 season, underscoring his value as a versatile asset.
Ullola, a promising flame-throwing reliever, has made strides in his development, particularly with his impressive fastball. Despite challenges with his off-speed pitches, Ullola has showcased potential as a strikeout pitcher, evident from his 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings at Double-A last season. His ability to contribute out of the bullpen adds depth to the Mets’ pitching prospects.
Considering Alonso’s potential departure after this season, acquiring Matthews, Cole, and Ullola would provide the Mets with substantial talent and depth for their future plans. However, if the Mets intend to negotiate a contract extension with Alonso, retaining the slugger could also be a viable strategy as they navigate their first base situation moving forward.