The sweepstakes for All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso are heating up and the Toronto Blue Jays are engaged in discussions with his camp, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon. They report that the Blue Jays, New York Mets, and a third unnamed team are all in the mix as Alonso’s free agency reaches a “critical juncture.”
While the Blue Jays are pursuing Alonso, they are still keen on keeping incumbent first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. According to Rosenthal and Sammon, if Toronto were to land Alonso, they would prefer to retain Guerrero, who is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. Jon Heyman of The New York Post also reported Wednesday that a trade involving Guerrero this winter is highly unlikely.
For the Mets, the situation has shifted significantly. On Thursday, SNY’s Andy Martino reported that the Mets had “pivoted” to their plan B, acknowledging that it now seems most likely that Alonso will sign elsewhere.
Pete Alonso Market Heating Up, Mets Expect Him to Sign Elsewhere
Martino added that the Mets have adjusted their strategy. They are now considering other options, including adding a reliever—possibly a top one— and reinforcing the roster with new faces. The Mets recent signing of outfielder Jesse Winker is part of that broader strategy.
Heyman echoed this sentiment, indicating that a reunion with Alonso looks increasingly unlikely. The Mets had previously offered Alonso a seven-year, $158 million extension in 2023. However, the deal never materialized, with both sides failing to reach an agreement on financial terms.
Alonso, 30 has spent his entire career with the Mets. Across six seasons, he’s batted .249/.339/.514 (134 OPS+ ) with 226 home runs. Alonso is a four-time All-Star and a two-time Home Run Derby champion.
Alonso isn’t the only name the Blue Jays are currently tied to. In addition to Alonso, free agent pitcher Roki Sasaki is considering Toronto as one of his three finalists for a move prior to the conclusion of his posting period. Sasaki is also considering the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
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