Getty Pete Alonso.
Mets slugger Pete Alonso’s time in New York could be coming to a close by the July 30 trade deadline.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield listed him as the Mets’ “most likely” candidate to be dealt, along with pitcher Jose Quintana.
“The emotional side of the brain says the Mets need to re-sign him, even if it means a bit of an overpay,” Schoenfield wrote in his April 16 “Way-Early Trade Deadline Extravaganza Preview.” “The rational side says president of baseball operations David Stearns has little interest in a player who may be a risky bet to keep performing at a high level in his 30s. That makes a potential Alonso trade the most controversial of potential deadline deals.”
Trading the man with more home runs than anyone in baseball since 2019 would certainly be controversial among Mets fans.
But considering Alonso’s impending free agency, and the top prospects that Stearns could receive in a blockbuster trade for Alonso, another sub-par season might leave the Mets no choice but to part ways with their three-time All-Star.
Pete Alonso’s Most Likely Trade Destinations
In November, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden listed the Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants as the three most likely trade destinations for Alonso.
Six months later, two of those franchises still make a lot of sense for Alonso.
The Cubs are the one that doesn’t.
Chicago first baseman Michael Busch is the hottest hitter in baseball right now, batting .306 with six home runs on the season. As a result,
Chicago is getting the most offensive production from first base than any other MLB team.
Busch is bound to slow down eventually. Yet, his hot start wouldn’t have the Cubs eager to trade for Alonso, who’d only be guaranteed in Chicago through this season before hitting free agency.
The Mariners, however, are in dire need of first base production.
They have zero home runs from first basemen this season. Their roster is too talented for such a glaring hole and could use the excitement that acquiring Alonso would provide.
Although it’s the San Francisco Giants who make the most sense for Alonso.
The Giants, who have started the season sluggishly, have just one home run from a first baseman this year. And their acquisition of starting pitcher Blake Snell indicates that they’re looking to win right now.
They’ve also got top prospects who would appeal to the Mets’ front office.
So while the Mets aren’t looking to trade Alonso right now, expect San Francisco to express interest if (or when) he’s placed on the chopping block.
Free Agency Looms for Alonso
Mets owner Steve Cohen thinks Alonso wants to become a free agent.
“I don’t expect anything to transpire before Pete reaches free agency,” Cohen said on the February 23 episode of the “Meet at the Apple” podcast. “We’re always open to conversation, but he’s earned the right to explore his value, and I’m highly supportive of all players doing that.”
Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, is well-known for preferring that his players test free agency. This is all the more reason why the Mets moving Alonso before the July 30 trade deadline makes sense.