The New York Mets are widely regarded as the frontrunners to re-sign slugger Pete Alonso in free agency this winter—and with good reason.
However, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports, this isn’t a one-team race. In fact, as Nightengale notes, “There currently are eight teams showing at least some interest in Alonso, including the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox. But in the game of first base musical chairs, where 11 teams have a new first baseman, Alonso is still left standing. He may have no choice but to return to the Mets on a short-term deal with an opt-out.”
While the Mets might easily outbid teams like the Seattle Mariners in a potential bidding war, they should be more concerned about serious competition from wealthier clubs such as the Red Sox and Blue Jays, who have the financial means to make aggressive offers for Alonso.
New York must also prepare a backup plan in case Alonso signs elsewhere. One intriguing alternative could be Luis Arráez of the San Diego Padres, who are reportedly open to trading the first baseman ahead of the 2025 season. Arráez, though a very different player from Alonso, could provide significant value. While he lacks Alonso’s defensive prowess and power—he won’t hit 40 home runs a season—Arráez’s exceptional contact-hitting ability makes him a compelling option. A left-handed bat that could reliably hit .320 would fit well in the Mets’ lineup alongside stars like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, and he would come at a lower cost than Alonso.
While the Mets remain the favorites to retain Alonso, they’ll need to stay proactive and flexible until a deal is signed.
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