As the offseason days tick by and spring training looms on the horizon, the Pete Alonso sweepstakes remain an intriguing saga to follow. With the calendar inching closer to the time players report to training camps, Alonso faces the urgent task of securing a new team. His initial contract aspirations have reportedly hovered around the substantial $200 million mark, a figure that now might require some reevaluation. The New York Mets, despite once being Alonso’s home team, appear to be signaling a shift, suggesting they may be stepping away from his lofty demands.
Recent comments from Mets owner Steve Cohen shed light on the negotiations, or rather, the lack thereof. Cohen indicated that the discussions with Alonso’s camp haven’t aligned with the Mets’ comfort zone for striking a deal at this juncture. This hesitance from the Mets leaves a gap that several other teams are keen to explore, with the Toronto Blue Jays consistently emerging as a prominent contender in the Alonso race.
The Blue Jays have often found themselves in pursuit of marquee free agents, such as Shohei Ohtani and Corbin Burnes, only to see them slip away. However, Toronto recently made headlines by securing outfielder/designated hitter Anthony Santander on a lucrative five-year deal. This acquisition is a testament to their ambition, and landing Pete Alonso would further bolster their lineup, potentially crafting one of the most formidable offenses in the American League. Envision Alonso alongside MVP-caliber slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the newly signed Santander—it’s a scenario that strikes fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers. If Alonso were to don a Blue Jays uniform, he would likely claim the first base slot, transitioning Guerrero Jr. to the designated hitter role.
Of course, Alonso has no shortage of potential suitors vying for his powerful bat, yet the Blue Jays are poised to be one of the more vigorous players in this high-stakes game. Should Alonso choose to head north of the border, his addition could redefine the landscape of the Blue Jays’ lineup and, arguably, the American League at large.
