The New York Mets are seen as the favorites to sign slugger Pete Alonso in free agency this winter, rightfully so.
But, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, this isn't a one-horse race. In fact, it's an eight-horse race.
"There currently are eight teams showing at least some interest in Alonso, including the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox," Nightengale wrote. "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."
This isn't competition like the Seattle Mariners, who the Mets could outbid in a bidding war with ease. Competition like the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays should spark some fear in Mets fans. If these clubs want Alonso, they could pony up quite a bit of money to land him.
New York needs to be diligent with a backup plan, on the off chance it loses Alonso. The Mets are the favorites to sign him, but it's not official until he signs a contract.
New York could pivot to a player who's a completely opposite kind of player than Alonso: San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arráez.
The Padres are reportedly shopping Arráez ahead of the 2025 season. He's not an elite defender or runner, but his bat is such a positive that the Mets would benefit from placing him in front of hitters like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.
The left-handed hitter may not club 40 home runs a season like Alonso, but he would be cheaper and is almost guaranteed to hit .320.
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