First baseman Pete Alonso is seeing his market rapidly disappear.
The Astros upgraded their lineup on Friday, agreeing to terms with first baseman Christian Walker. With Walker off the market, the Yankees agreed to terms with Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal. The Diamondbacks, needing a primary baseman of their very own, acquired Josh Naylor in a trade with the Guardians. The Guardians then reportedly agreed to terms with first baseman Carlos Santana on a one-year deal.
In the meantime, Alonso stays unsigned as the vacations strategy. Thought-about the Thirteenth-best free agent, and the highest first baseman per FanGraphs, Alonso has been one of many premier energy hitters within the majors since making his debut in 2019.
A four-time All-Star and the 2019 NL Rookie of the 12 months, Alonso has hit at the very least 30 homers in each season, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 marketing campaign. He produced a stable .240/.329/.459 batting line in his 695 plate appearances final yr, hitting 34 homers and 31 doubles. He would make an impression in the course of any batting order.
That batting order might properly belong to the Mets. Tim Britton and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that Mets proprietor Steve Cohen mentioned that the staff is “nonetheless engaged” in talks with Alonso and desires to convey him again. He would have the ability to slot behind outfielder Juan Soto and shortstop Francisco Lindor to offer the Mets a formidable run-producing trio within the second by way of fourth spots within the lineup.
Different groups need assistance at first. The Giants are reportedly willing to trade incumbent first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr., leaving a gap within the lineup. The Nationals want to add pieces to complement their younger core; including Alonso to the center of the lineup would convey them nearer to rivalry. The Mariners must improve their lineup however might not be prepared to spend what it takes to convey him on board as Spotrac projects Alonso to obtain a six-year deal price simply over $170 million. Groups might want Alonso, however can they afford his wage?