Pete Alonso may not have to leave New York at the trade deadline if the Mets opt to relocate him across town.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Yankees could sign Alonso by the July 30 deadline. The interest arises from the Yankees’ desire for output on the right side of their infield.
“Pete Alonso is expected to be the biggest power bat traded at the deadline,” Bowden stated. “The Astros, Mariners, Yankees, Giants, Cubs, and Twins are all potential destinations for the three-time All-Star. If the Mets deal Alonso, they will still make a strong effort to re-sign him this winter. “They love the Polar Bear, and he adores New York.”
Bowden also stated that the Cubs had “touched base” with the Mets about Alonso.
The Yankees’ current first base rotation of Anthony Rizzo (.623 OPS) and DJ LeMahieu (.586 OPS) have both been below-average hitters this season, with 26 combined RBI at a power-hitting position like first base.
Alonso is expected to enter free agency following the 2024 season. The 29-year-old is the Mets’ best hitter and asset heading into the trade deadline, leading the team in home runs (14) and RBI (32) with a 132 OPS+.
The Mets are 28-36, fourth in the NL East, and 3 1/2 games out of the NL Wild Card slot, trailing six other clubs.
Alonso has been a fan favourite in Queens since his record-breaking 2019 Rookie of the Year season, during which he hit 53 home runs. He has been in the top ten in the NL MVP vote twice, and he has the most home runs in MLB since his rookie season.
Along with Alonso, Bowden identified starting pitcher Luis Severino as a key trade piece for the Mets. ESPN had speculated that the Yankees, who did not re-sign Severino last offseason, could chase him at the trade deadline.
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