During the free agency chase, Mets owner Steve Cohen leaves a mysterious note for Juan Soto.
David Stearns, president of baseball operations, has a first base need to fill as the New York Mets pursue free agency outfielder Juan Soto. Pete Alonso, who is a free agent, has held that position on the diamond since 2019. It still seems plausible that the two parties will reunite on a multi-year contract. But once a player is on the free market and attracts attention from other teams, anything may happen. By his standards, 2024 was a poor year for Alonso. His output, which includes a.788 OPS, 34 home runs, 88 RBI, and 91 runs scored in 695 plate appearances, would still be welcomed by many organizations. During the Mets’ postseason run, he also produced impressive stats, hitting.999 on 58 plate appearances. The right-handed slugger is worth $174 million and six years, according to Spotrac. Other forecasts are lower since he will be a 30-year-old first baseman in 2025 and may be a full-time designated hitter by the conclusion of his next deal. This winter, Tim Britton of The Athletic is predicting that Alonso will sign a five-year, $140 million contract.
The slugger has been connected to the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners since both teams clearly need to add a first baseman. Which club in the American League West could snatch him from New York? According to Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb of The Score, the Astros will win. “Alonso will stabilize what’s been a revolving door at first base for the Astros and is an obvious upgrade over Jon Singleton,” the writer said. “Alonso’s signing signals that Houston isn’t ready to shut the door on this remarkable era for the franchise just yet and serves as a precursor to other big moves this winter.”
