However, in ESPN’s latest free agent prediction article, David Schoenfield has Alonso urging the Yankees to stay with the New York Mets.
“Alonso might fetch $150 million, but is he worth it? I believe that price tag is why he returns to the Mets rather than switching lineup positions with Soto,” Schoenfield stated. “Yankees general manager Brian Cashman may find comparisons between Alonso and Giancarlo Stanton: a sluggish right-handed slugger with no defence who is locked up to a hefty contract in his 30s. The Yankees definitely need a first baseman — they finished worst in the league in OPS in 2024 — but perhaps they’ll take a short-term approach with the goal of pursuing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. next offseason.”
Despite the Yankees’ interest, Schoenfield believes Alonso will sign a six-year $159 million contract to stay with the Mets.
In 2024, Alonso hit.240 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs for the Mets. His career bests are 46 home runs and 131 RBI.
On December 17, the Yankees made their first major move to improve their lineup, acquiring Cody Bellinger.
After losing Juan Soto in free agency to the Mets, the Yankees signed Max Fried and then traded for closer Devin Williams. However, New York paid $5 million to the Chicago Cubs for former National League MVP Cody Bellinger and pitcher Cody Poteet.
Bellinger won the National League MVP award in 2019 and has been named to two All-Star teams. The 29-year-old is expected to be the Yankees’ main centre fielder, with Aaron Judge moving back to right field.
Bellinger hit.266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs for the Cubs in 2024. He is slated to earn $27.5 million in 2025, with a player option for $25 million in 2026.
In 2024, Poteet threw five games for the Yankees, four of which he started. He finished 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA. He has a 5-4 record with a 3.80 ERA in 83 innings in the MLB.
Rizzo wanted to remain in New York.
Rizzo has been with the Yankees since 2021, when he was traded from the Cubs.
The slugging first baseman has struggled with injuries, playing fewer than 100 games in each of the previous two seasons. However, he still possesses an impact bat, and Rizzo was hoping to stay with the Yankees.
After the World Series, Rizzo expressed his desire for every baseball player to experience the unique thrill of wearing this jersey.
“I love playing here, and I love being a Yankee,” Rizzo said. “I love what comes with it, and I appreciate the standard that has been set here by previous generations of Yankees. Yes, this may be the end of his stint with the Yankees. I am a realist. I am not ignorant about it. But I believe everything will work out when the moment is perfect.”
Rizzo hit.228 with 8 home runs and 35 RBIs for the Yankees in 2024.
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