Pete Alonso’s free agency reaches a critical juncture.
The market for Alonso is heating up, with three teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, engaged in discussions for the powerhouse first baseman, league sources said. If the Blue Jays brought in Alonso, they would still prefer to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a person familiar with the club’s thinking said. Guerrero played 12 games at third base last year, and he and Alonso could serve as the club’s designated hitters.
Meanwhile, the New York Mets want a resolution, as first reported by the New York Post. Early Thursday morning, people briefed on the matter said a financial obstacle still existed between the two sides. The Mets are in active talks with other players and it would be difficult to fit Alonso into their plans if they made a deal in other areas. , said a person familiar with the Mets’ plans.
If the Mets don’t end up re-signing Alonso, the No. 8 player on the Athletics A Big Board free agent, it’s possible for the team to acquire additional help at designated hitter or spend more in the bullpen.
Previously, league sources suggested contract length was an issue between the two parties. But Alonso’s camp recently offered the Mets a three-year contract with an opt-out option, as first reported by former Mets general manager Jim Duquette. This marks an important development, but it is difficult to know how much it has improved the negotiations without knowing the dollar figures.
(Top photo by Pete Alonso: Harry How/Getty Images)
