The free agency of Pete Alonso has gone on much longer than just about anyone anticipated.
When Alonso reportedly rejected a seven-year, $158 million extension from the New York Mets in 2023, he was expecting to cash in big time when he hit free agency after the 2024 season.
That hasn't happened.
More news: Slugger Pete Alonso Predicted to Sign Record-Breaking Contract With Mets
The incumbent Mets were considered the favorites to bring back Alonso just about all offseason long, but when the two sides couldn't reach an agreement last week, it was reported New York was pivoting away from their All-Star first baseman.
The Mets instead signed outfielder Jesse Winker and reliever A.J. Minter, as it appeared Alonso's time with New York was coming to an end.
Since the Mets' apparent pivot, another Alonso suitor, the Toronto Blue Jays, made their first major signing of the offseason, adding outfielder Anthony Santander on a five-year, $92.5 million contract. While the Blue Jays could still add Alonso, it's unclear if they would shell out another major contract for a power hitter like Alonso.
Enter the surprise team.
More news: Former Dodgers All-Star, Fan Favorite Open to Return to LA in Potential Blockbuster Signing
The Los Angeles Angels were the busiest team in Major League Baseball to start the offseason.
Just hours after the World Series concluded, the Angels acquired All-Star slugger Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves. Shortly after, they made a second trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, adding infielder Scott Kingery.
The Angels then got active in free agency, signing a handful of players including right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks, catcher Travis d'Arnaud, infielder Kevin Newman, and, their biggest signing thus far, left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi.
Since, the Angels have been quiet, aside from minor league signings and a couple minor trades. Although, they did make an interesting addition on Wednesday, adding former All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson.
However, if the Angels want to contend in 2025 — which their front office has made it known they do — they need to make another splash.
Alonso would be just that.
The Angels need another true threat in the lineup next to Mike Trout, and the 30-year-old Alonso fits that bill.
Over the course of his six-year career, Alonso has 226 home runs and 586 runs batted in. He has at least 34 home runs in every season (excluding the 60-game season in 2020), and has hit at least 40 home runs in 2019, 2022, and 2023.
Alonso is also extremely durable, having played a full 162 games last season. He hasn't missed more than 10 games in a season ever, which is a stark contrast to the current highest-paid players on the Angels roster in Trout and Anthony Rendon.
Trout has played in just 111 games over the last two seasons. Rendon has played in just 100.
While it's tough to gauge Alonso's market right now, he could be willing to take a four-year, $100 million with opt outs after the second and third year. Alonso would get a significantly higher AAV than Santander, while also being able to re-enter free agency when he's 32 years old, and still capable of cashing in as a power threat in the middle of a team's lineup.
For more MLB news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
More news: Dodgers All-Star 'Praying' LA Signs One Specific Free Agent
English (US) ·