New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has been one of many extra constant energy hitters within the recreation since his debut in 2019.
He averaged 42 homers over his 5 main league seasons, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 marketing campaign. Alonso was nonetheless a powerful energy menace that 12 months, slugging 16 homers as he was on tempo for 43 house runs in a 162 recreation season.
2024 was one other stable 12 months for Alonso. He produced a .240/.329/.459 batting line in his 695 plate appearances, hitting 34 homers and 31 doubles. Alonso made his presence felt within the playoffs, belting a three-run homer within the prime of the ninth in Sport 3 of the wild-card spherical to ship the Mets to the NLDS.
Alonso reportedly rejected a seven-year, $158M extension in June 2023. Jim Bowden of The Athletic projects Alonso to signal a seven-year deal price $189M this offseason. Let’s check out three potential touchdown spots for the highest first baseman available on the market.
New York Mets
The Mets could also be Pete Alonso’s first selection. Within the wake of the New York’s Sport 6 loss within the NLCS, he talked about how a lot he cherished the group, fan base and metropolis as he mirrored upon his impending free company.
The query is whether or not or not the Mets really feel the identical approach. The Mets have already reached out to Juan Soto, considered one of practically a dozen groups to take action. Infielder Mark Vientos might transfer over to first base. Nonetheless, Alonso has additionally develop into one of many extra beloved Mets throughout his tenure with the group. Proprietor Steve Cohen might simply afford each Soto and Alonso. The primary baseman could get his want and stick with the group.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have loads of holes to fill regardless of reaching the World Sequence. One of many greatest areas of want is first base; Yankees first basemen combined for a .206/.282/.312 batting line in 803 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers. Anthony Rizzo is now a free agent, leaving a big void within the lineup.
As is the case with the Mets, Soto is anticipated to be the Yankees’ prime precedence. Nonetheless, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Alonso is taken into account the first backup plan within the occasion that Soto leaves in free company. Including Alonso could also be the best choice, particularly because the Yankees have to remake their bullpen and enhance their infield and depth. Alonso could also be Plan B, however he might be the proper selection.
Houston Astros
Jose Abreu was anticipated to be the run producer the Houston Astros wanted at first. His disappointing tenure, which included a quick stint within the Florida Complicated League, ended in mid-June. Former prime prospect Jon Singleton offered some pop however will not be a long-term reply. The Astros may additionally have one other gap in the midst of the lineup as third baseman Alex Bregman is slated to become a free agent.
Alonso might resolve two of these issues. He could be the reply the Astros want at first whereas taking Bregman’s place as a center of the lineup bat. Astros first basemen mixed for -1.9 bWAR in 2024, tied with the A’s for the second worst within the majors. Alonso could be the improve the Astros want as they appear to proceed their run of dominance within the AL West.
