The New York Mets seem to be pretty all-in to bring slugger Pete Alonso back to Queens this winter. The Mets acquired superstar Juan Soto on a deal worth nearly $800 million earlier this offseason. Since then, the Mets have added some pitchers, but they haven't made another big splash.
Bringing Alonso back would be that big splash. Jon Heyman of the New York Post projects Alonso to sign a deal worth $152 million this winter, which is right around what he will likely land.
With teams like the Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, and New York Yankees seemingly out of the Alonso sweepstakes after acquiring first basemen of their own, the Mets are the clear favorites to sign the slugger.
What happens if they don't? What happens if another team swoops in and steals him from the Mets? What will owner Steve Cohen and the Mets do?
If the Mets miss on Alonso, the backup plan likely involves trading for St. Louis Cardinals star Nolan Arenado. New York would move Mark Vientos to first base and slot Arenado in at third base in this scenario.
The Cardinals began shopping Arenado earlier this winter, but it's been complicated because of his contract and a no-trade clause. Shortly after the Cardinals began shopping him, Arenado reportedly cleared a trade to six teams, including the Mets.
The Mets would likely eat a chunk of Arenado's contract in a trade for him, which would make the prospect return next to nothing.
In all likelihood, Alonso will be headed back to Queens on a huge deal and the Cardinals will need to find somebody else to take Arenado. But if a team like the Seattle Mariners steal Alonso, the Mets would likely pivot to trading for Arenado.
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