New York Mets/Houston Astros Are Great Options To Sign Pete Alonso
The conclusion of the World Series marked the beginning of one of the most anticipated times in Major League Baseball.
Some of the most iconic names in MLB are now eligible to test the free agent market.
One of the most intriguing names on the free agent list is New York Mets first baseman, Pete Alonso.
With the exception of the pandemic shortened 2020 season, Alonso, 30, has hit 30 or more home runs in each year of his six year, big league career.
A three-time All Star, Alonso won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2019.
Here are Alonso’s home run and RBI totals in his career so far-all with the Mets:
He may not hit for a high batting average, but those are game-changing statistics.
However, Alonso enters free agency with stiff competition for a hefty, long-term contract.
The list of eligible free agent hitters includes:
Juan Soto-OF-New York Yankees (age 26)
Willy Adames-SS-Milwaukee Brewers (age 29)
Alex Bregman-3B-Houston Astros (age 31
Anthony Santander-OF-Baltimore Orioles (age 30)
Christian Walker-1B-Arizona Diamondbacks (age 34)
The 2024 first base class will likely include St. Louis Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt, who at 37, is seven years older than Alonso.
New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo, 35, is also eligible for free agency.
Attractive 2024 Free Agent Class:
Alonso may become the subject of a bidding war among several major league clubs.
As evidenced by the number of game-altering homers in the recent MLB postseason, the home run is prized in Major League Baseball,
Some team owners have made resources available for the signing of consequential power hitters, capable of impacting the outcomes of games.
Granted, there are only a limited number of MLB owners willing to engage in long-term, high value contracts.
But there may always be a surprise team or two that enters free agent sweepstakes.
Clearly, Juan Soto will generate tremendous interest among MLB clubs.
But Soto and other hitters aren’t the only players competing for high value free agent contracts.
There is a long list of major league pitchers eligible for free agency.
Pitching is coveted by MLB teams.
Some of the most prominent potential free agent pitchers who do not have an option to opt out of a current contract, or without a player or team option for their services include:
San Diego Padres
The Padres want to unseat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.
The Padres have plenty of thunder in their offense, but Alonso may be a missing piece that gets them closer to defeating the Dodgers.
The Padres can move hitting machine Luis Arraez to the designated hitter role, and play Alonso at first base.