The New York Mets‘ decision to sell, buy, or hold steady hinges largely on their performance over the next month and a half in the National League Wild Card race. At the center of trade discussions remains Pete Alonso, a beloved Mets figure and a prominent candidate for potential deals, as reported by SNY’s Andy Martino.
Reports from evaluators vary widely on what the Mets could fetch in return for Alonso. One opinion suggests the return might not be substantial due to Alonso being a rental, unless multiple teams engage in a bidding war. Another viewpoint speculates the Mets could secure a prospect ranked in the 5-10 range, but not a standout player. A contrasting perspective argues Alonso’s impact on playoff contention and his superior performance compared to players like Luis Arraez could justify a higher asking price.
Navigating through these rumors, the reality likely lies somewhere in the middle, influenced by the health of first basemen across the league and unexpected developments. For instance, if a team loses its All-Star first baseman to a season-ending injury, Alonso could suddenly become a crucial acquisition target.
However, the likelihood of a bidding war is considered low given the perceived ease of filling the first base position compared to more premium positions like top-level starting pitchers. While acquiring a prospect ranked in the 5-10 range may not seem glamorous, such a player could still headline a potential trade package. For example, landing someone like Blade Tidwell, ranked tenth in the Mets’ top prospects by MLB Pipeline, could be a reasonable outcome.
Martino and others emphasize that the Mets are under no pressure to trade Alonso unless they receive a compelling offer. Opting to extend him a qualifying offer could allow the Mets to secure a valuable draft pick in return while retaining Alonso’s services for another season. This approach would spare fans from the disappointment of seeing another beloved player depart.
Alonso’s performance in the upcoming weeks may influence his trade value, potentially increasing it beyond current expectations. Pairing him with another player, such as a pitcher or teammate Harrison Bader, could enhance the Mets’ leverage and strategic options as the trade deadline approaches.