New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has been one of the more consistent power hitters in the game since his debut in 2019.
He averaged 42 homers over his five major league seasons, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. Alonso was still an impressive power threat that year, slugging 16 homers as he was on pace for 43 home runs in a 162 game season.
2024 was another solid year for Alonso. He produced a .240/.329/.459 batting line in his 695 plate appearances, hitting 34 homers and 31 doubles. Alonso made his presence felt in the playoffs, belting a three-run homer in the top of the ninth in Game 3 of the wild-card round to send the Mets to the NLDS.
Alonso reportedly rejected a seven-year, $158M extension in June 2023. Jim Bowden of The Athletic projects Alonso to sign a seven-year deal worth $189M this offseason. Let’s take a look at three potential landing spots for the top first baseman on the market.
New York Mets
The Mets may be Pete Alonso’s first choice. In the wake of the New York’s Game 6 loss in the NLCS, he talked about how much he loved the organization, fan base and city as he reflected upon his impending free agency.
The question is whether or not the Mets feel the same way. The Mets have already reached out to Juan Soto, one of nearly a dozen teams to do so. Infielder Mark Vientos could move over to first base. However, Alonso has also become one of the more beloved Mets during his tenure with the team. Owner Steve Cohen could easily afford both Soto and Alonso. The first baseman may get his wish and stay with the organization.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have plenty of holes to fill despite reaching the World Series. One of the biggest areas of need is first base; Yankees first basemen combined for a .206/.282/.312 batting line in 803 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers. Anthony Rizzo is now a free agent, leaving a large void in the lineup.
As is the case with the Mets, Soto is expected to be the Yankees’ top priority. However, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Alonso is considered the primary backup plan in the event that Soto leaves in free agency. Adding Alonso may be the best option, especially as the Yankees need to remake their bullpen and improve their infield and depth. Alonso may be Plan B, but he could be the right choice.
Houston Astros
Jose Abreu was expected to be the run producer the Houston Astros needed at first. His disappointing tenure, which included a brief stint in the Florida Complex League, ended in mid-June. Former top prospect Jon Singleton provided some pop but is not a long-term answer. The Astros may also have another hole in the middle of the lineup as third baseman Alex Bregman is slated to become a free agent.
Alonso could solve two of those problems. He would be the answer the Astros need at first while taking Bregman’s place as a middle of the lineup bat. Astros first basemen combined for -1.9 bWAR in 2024, tied with the A’s for the second worst in the majors. Alonso would be the upgrade the Astros need as they look to continue their run of dominance in the AL West.
