It’s well-known that, following a season marked by injuries and disappointment, the Chicago Cubs are looking to take a proactive approach this offseason to secure a powerful hitter for the middle of their lineup.
If the stars align, that hitter could be Pete Alonso, the standout first baseman for the Mets, with whom the Cubs have been linked since the spring.
Alonso shined in the signature moment of his career last night. With the Mets facing elimination, the slugger blasted a three-run home run in the ninth inning which proved to be the deciding blow in New York’s 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card Round.
Taking a step back from the impressive clutch moment for a second, the fact of the matter is Alonso had a subpar 2024 regular season for his standards.
He hit .240 with 34 home runs and 77 RBIs to go along with a .788 OPS. It should be noted that he played in all 162 games – something he prided himself in.
With a total of 170 home runs, the Cubs ranked 20th in the league for 2024, which is inadequate for a team playing in a hitter-friendly venue like Wrigley Field.
Alonso has proven to be one of the best power hitters in all of baseball. While his average slumped, the fact of the matter is he’s a home run threat each and every time he heads to the plate.
According to veteran MLB insider Bob Nightengale from USA Today, “If All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso doesn’t return to the Mets, rival executives believe he will end up in Seattle or with the Cubs.”
There’s no denying that last night’s monumental home run certainly improves the chances of the Mets resigning Alonso. Having said that, they could very well still decide to let him walk.
Rumored to be in the mix for Yankees star Juan Soto, the Mets will need to figure out a clear-cut offseason plan and if the homegrown Alonso has a place in it.
Needless to say, the Cubs will be minoring the situation closely.
According to projections, Alonso is expected to be in the six-year, $175 million ballpark when it comes to a contract.
Although the Cubs have been hesitant to make such financial commitments in the past, they might make an exception for valued slugger.
Not only does he excel at hitting home runs, but he also performs exceptionally well at Wrigley Field. In his 17 career games as a visitor, Alonso has hit eight home runs, boasting a .271 batting average and an OPS of 1.134.
Having said all of that, it goes without saying that how Alonso finishes this current playoff run will have a major impact on his future.
Do you think the Cubs should aggressively pursue Alonso? … Would the Mets be fools to let him get away?
Not to jump ahead, but when it’s all said and done where do you think Alonso ends up and what will his contract look like???
