The speculation around the New York Mets offloading their roster has shifted from a mere possibility to a near certainty.
Reports indicate that the struggling team is actively considering trading most of their 26-man roster, possibly to make room for a major acquisition like Juan Soto.
Some optimistic fans believe this radical move aims to clear the way for Soto, succumbing to his demands for roster spots.
Despite their lackluster performance this season, the Mets still boast significant star power. Pete Alonso, the team’s standout slugger and fan favorite, is approaching free agency at the end of the season.
Alonso has a deep affection for New York, and the feeling is mutual among the fans. However, the real question is whether team owner Steve Cohen is willing to extend a $250 million contract to keep him, dismissing concerns about Alonso’s one-dimensional play.
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden suggests that the Mets are contemplating a strategy similar to the one used with Aroldis Chapman: trading Alonso to a contender this summer and then re-signing him in the offseason.
This maneuver would allow the Mets to gain valuable assets while still retaining their star player. The New York Yankees, dealing with their own issues at first base with Anthony Rizzo, could be the prime candidate for this trade.
Should the Yankees pursue Alonso, it would be a dramatic mid-season move that could disrupt team chemistry but potentially solve their offensive struggles.
The possibility is tantalizing, especially considering the Yankees’ history of making bold trades. Yet, adding Alonso might not address their defensive needs, given his less-than-stellar defensive stats and a modest .784 OPS.
Jeff Passan’s trade deadline analysis further fuels the speculation, with multiple general managers expecting the Mets’ new president of baseball operations, David Stearns, to trade Alonso. Potential destinations include the Giants, Mariners, Astros, and Twins, but none are as compelling as the Yankees.
Would Yankees GM Brian Cashman risk significant assets for Alonso?
Perhaps, but it might come with a condition: a promise from Cohen not to aggressively pursue Juan Soto in the offseason, a scenario reminiscent of the Aaron Judge negotiations in 2022.
The trade dynamics and strategic considerations surrounding Alonso’s future are complex and fraught with potential implications for both the Mets and the Yankees.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Mets will execute this bold move and how it will shape the landscape of the MLB. Fans and analysts alike are urged to voice their opinions and engage in this riveting discourse.
