The question is not whether the New York Mets will trade first baseman Pete Alonso, but when they will do so.
Throughout the offseason, trade rumors surrounded Alonso, yet the Mets refrained from making a move. They were hopeful of improving their performance from the 2023 season and were keen on extending Alonso’s contract. Joel Sherman of The New York Post reported that the Mets offered Alonso a seven-year, $158 million deal last June.
However, Alonso is now anticipated to be on the trade block. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, while the Mets have not yet begun actively shopping players, Alonso, along with J.D. Martinez and Luis Severino, will be among those made available.
Alonso will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after names as the trade deadline approaches. Here are three potential destinations for him:
A disappointing 9-18 record in May has led the Mets to become sellers. Alonso, who has recorded a .239/.313/.473 batting line with 13 home runs and 14 doubles in 252 plate appearances, stands as their most valuable trade asset.
The Chicago Cubs have shown interest in Alonso since the offseason. Jon Heyman of the New York Times described them as “the obvious potential suitor.” Cody Bellinger, who had been covering first base in 2023, was a free agent at the time. The Cubs needed a strong middle-of-the-order presence and a reliable first baseman. Although Michael Busch started the season strong, he cooled off, and Patrick Wisdom has struggled offensively. If the Cubs aim to secure a playoff spot, they require more production from first base, and Alonso could be the catalyst they need.
The Milwaukee Brewers have also been linked to Alonso, with reports indicating the two sides were close to a deal at the 2023 trade deadline. Instead, the Brewers signed Rhys Hoskins to a one-year deal. Despite his injury history, Hoskins has performed reasonably well, producing a .239/.339/.465 batting line with nine home runs. However, he has seen considerable time as a designated hitter, leaving Jake Bauers as the primary first baseman. Bauers is a versatile utility player but not ideal as a starter. Alonso would solidify the first base position and add another potent bat to the Brewers’ lineup as they pursue another October run.
The New York Yankees and Mets have completed 17 trades since the Mets’ inception in 1962. The most notable was the 2001 trade that sent outfielder David Justice to the Mets for third baseman Robin Ventura. Trading Pete Alonso to the Yankees, although seemingly unlikely, would become the most significant deal between the two New York teams.
