The New York Mets signed Juan Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal this winter. They hoped to bring Pete Alonso back as well, but according to SNY's Andy Martino, the Mets have accepted that Alonso will not be signing back despite their attempts to keep him.
"The Mets have pivoted to plan B, post-Alonso," Martino wrote on X. "They now consider it the most likely outcome that Alonso will sign elsewhere. They add Winker and will add a reliever, possibly a top one."
BALLCAP Sports' Jim Riley predicted that Alonso would indeed leave the Mets to join the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays just added Anthony Santander, and pairing him with Alonso could give them a great chance to compete in 2025.
"There is a desperate team in Toronto trying to spend money and trying to do something to improve the club," said Riley. "You would get a year with Alonso and (Vladimir Guerrero Jr.) together. I think they already have their Bo Bichette replacement in-house in Andrés Giménez, and you would have your Vladimir Guerrero Jr. replacement in-house with Pete Alonso if you cannot get that extension done."
The Blue Jays have continuously struck out on trying to add superstars this offseason. They failed to sign Soto and Roki Sasaki among others. However, signing Alonso to a long-term deal not only helps them maximize their opportunity in 2025 but could potentially help convince Guerrero to choose the Blue Jays in free agency.
Riley also noted there are not many options left for Alonso himself. If he wants a long-term deal, the teams that need him cannot afford him. Unfortunately for Alonso, most teams that can afford him have already filled their need at first base. Additionally, the prospect of potentially getting Guerrero in 2026 could deter teams from signing Alonso right now.
Alonso is a four-time All-Star and has hit more home runs in the National League than any other player since he made his debut in 2019. The only player to hit more home runs than Alonso in that span is Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
Signing Alonso would likely move Guerrero to third base for 2025. Having Alonso and Guerrero in the same lineup could be enough to make the Blue Jays a contender.
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