The New York Mets recently re-signed outfielder Jesse Winker to a one-year contract and Andy Martino of SNY suggested this could be the Mets’ “post-(Pete) Alonso” plan.
While New York has been seen as the favorite to land Alonso, this report indicates the Mets are no longer the top dogs in the sweepstakes. But that doesn’t mean they’re out of the race completely.
Despite these rumors, Rowan Kavner of FOX Sports recently predicted Alonso would re-sign with the Mets anyway. His deal will likely be worth around $100 million unless he signs for two or three years.
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 02: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets celebrates with an OMG sign after hitting a two-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the tenth inning at Nationals Park… WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 02: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets celebrates with an OMG sign after hitting a two-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the tenth inning at Nationals Park on July 2, 2024 in Washington, DC. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
“The number of teams who need a first baseman with Alonso’s skill set are dwindling,” Kavner wrote. “The Astros and Yankees signed their answers at the spot in Christian Walker and Paul Goldschmidt, respectively. The Diamondbacks filled the vacancy left by Walker by trading for Josh Naylor.
“The Nationals traded for Nate Lowe and signed Josh Bell. The Mets might be better off signing Alex Bregman and bumping Mark Vientos to first base, but as currently constructed, a return to Queens for Alonso seems like the logical fit.”
Alonso to the Mets makes sense unless New York is absolutely unwilling to give him a fourth year on his contract. The negotiations have seemingly stalled and the market for him is bleak.
While there are a few other teams that could steal the slugger from Queens, predicting him to the Mets is a safe bet. Still, a team like the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, or Seattle Mariners could swoop in and steal him.
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