The first base market this offseason has become a captivating narrative, with Pete Alonso and Christian Walker initially seen as the top two options for teams in need of a first baseman. As teams have filled their vacancies, the market for these two players has rapidly evolved, leading to some unexpected shifts in the landscape. The Houston Astros acted quickly, securing Walker on a three-year deal, while Pete Alonso, the New York Mets’ star, remains unsigned as of Monday morning.
The New York Yankees made a significant move by acquiring Paul Goldschmidt in free agency, addressing their own first base needs, and the Cleveland Guardians made waves by trading Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks and subsequently signing veteran Carlos Santana.
Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals, who had previously been considered a potential destination for Alonso, opted to trade for Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, further narrowing the market for the Mets’ slugger.
So, where does this leave Pete Alonso? According to Quinn Everts of FanSided, the most likely outcome is that Alonso will re-sign with the Mets. As Everts notes, while this may not be the most thrilling scenario for general baseball fans, it is by far the most sensible option given the current state of the first base market.
“It’s not the most exciting possibility for general MLB fans, but it’s the option that makes the most sense,” Everts wrote. “With most teams that had a need at first base having filled that hole in recent weeks, Alonso’s market has dwindled to … well, the Mets, basically.”
While the Seattle Mariners have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Alonso, the financial reality of the situation makes it difficult to imagine the Mariners successfully competing in a bidding war for the 29-year-old slugger, especially with the Mets’ deep pockets and owner Steve Cohen’s well-known willingness to spend. Even with some teams no longer in the running for Alonso, the New York Mets remain a logical and compelling destination.
The real intrigue, according to Everts, will come in the contract details. After signing Sean Manaea and structuring part of his deal with deferred money, the Mets have created additional payroll flexibility, which could allow them to make a sizable financial commitment to Alonso.
Despite the market shrinking around him, Alonso’s eventual deal is expected to be a blockbuster, and the Mets are in the prime position to offer him the long-term contract he desires. While many expected Alonso to garner attention from other teams, it now seems almost certain that he will return to Queens, where he has been a cornerstone of the Mets’ lineup for years.
Ultimately, the Alonso situation highlights how quickly the dynamics of the free-agent market can change, and how quickly a team can shift its focus once a once-coveted player’s market dries up. For Alonso and the Mets, the winter is shaping up to end with a long-awaited reunion.
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