The New York Yankees are working quickly to finalize their offseason plans before Christmas, with reports linking them to slugging first baseman Pete Alonso. However, this potential addition comes with its challenges. According to Yahoo, Alonso is widely regarded as one of the top power hitters in free agency, but teams remain hesitant to extend him an offer.
Pete Alonso’s market develops
Yanks hard
On December 19, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that teams are “hesitant” to offer Alonso a long-term deal but recognize “great value in adding him for the next few years.” Alonso, who earned $20.5 million last season, is coming off two underwhelming years as he approaches his age-30 season in 2025.
During the 2023 season, the Mets reportedly offered Alonso a seven-year, $158 million extension that would have bought out his final arbitration year and carried him through 2030. Despite this, Alonso remains unsigned, with his market slow to gain momentum. Mets owner Steve Cohen expressed optimism on December 12 during Juan Soto’s introductory press conference, stating, “Hopefully, we’ll get there,” while confirming that the Mets are “still engaged” in contract talks with their star slugger.
Alonso’s power numbers continue to keep him in demand, even with declining recent performance. Over the last two seasons, he slashed .229/.324/.480, but his 226 home runs since 2019 are the most in the National League and second in all of baseball, trailing only Aaron Judge’s 232.
Yankees weigh Pete Alonso’s fit
While the Yankees have been connected to Alonso, his fit in the Bronx raises questions. The team already features two right-handed power hitters in Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, both over 30 and prone to high strikeout rates. Adding Alonso could exacerbate the Yankees’ lineup imbalance.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees are “engaged in talks” with Alonso, along with other first-base options such as Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, and Paul Goldschmidt. This reported activity comes as the Yankees and Cubs reached an impasse over a potential Cody Bellinger trade.
Alonso would add significant power to the Yankees’ predominantly right-handed lineup, but his signing might limit roster flexibility, especially with Bellinger already capable of playing both first base and center field.
Yankees pivot after losing Juan Soto
The Yankees entered the offseason focused on acquiring Juan Soto, but his decision to sign a 15-year, $760 million deal with the Mets forced them to pivot. In response, they executed a series of major moves, signing ace Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal on December 10, trading for Brewers closer Devin Williams on December 13, and acquiring Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger on December 17.
While these moves have significantly improved the Yankees’ roster, GM Brian Cashman made it clear the offseason isn’t over. “We’ve done some heavy lifting with Max [Fried], with Devin Williams, with Bellinger,” Cashman told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “But there’s more lifting to do.”
As the Yankees explore their options, the Mets remain committed to keeping Alonso. David Stearns and Steve Cohen have repeatedly expressed their hope to retain him, even as his market lags behind other free agents. Alonso’s value extends beyond his recent struggles, highlighted by his Wild Card Series-winning home run against Devin Williams during the 2023 postseason.
The Yankees’ next steps will likely include addressing first base, the outfield, and potentially third base, with Suzyn Waldman emphasizing the need for a reliable third baseman during her WFAN appearance. As the offseason continues, Alonso’s future remains a major storyline, with both New York teams evaluating whether he fits their plans for 2024 and beyond. Fans can expect further developments as Cashman and Cohen navigate the high-stakes free-agent market.
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