The Yankees’ worst nightmare has come true. General manager Brian Cashman was unable to keep outfielder Juan Soto. Unfortunately for the Bombers, Soto went across town to join with the New York Mets. Should they give the Mets a taste of their own medicine by signing Pete Alonso? The Yankees struggled at first base in 2024. According to FanGraphs, five players led by Anthony Rizzo combined for -1.1 WAR. Only three teams had poorer production from that part of the diamond.
Since winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2019, Alonso has been the fourth-best first baseman in the MLB. He has hit 226 home runs over that time, trailing only Aaron Judge (232). While partnering Judge and Soto for the foreseeable future sounded appealing, an Alonso-Judge duo would also be acceptable. According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, the Yankees will respond to missing out on Soto by signing the Mets’ homegrown slugger.
“The Yankees acquiring Pete Alonso from the Mets would not be an equal and opposite reaction to the latter’s record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with Juan Soto.” Rymer commented, “Alonso is a darn good hitter, but his historical comparisons do not include Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle.” “But if nothing else, signing Alonso would go a long way toward making up for the power the Yankees have lost with Soto having departed the Bronx for Queens.” As Rymer stated, acquiring Alonso is not the same as retaining Soto. But while the Yankees adjust to life without the 26-year-old slugger, Alonso is an excellent place to start. Spotrac predicts he will get a six-year, $174 million contract this winter.
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