MLB Trade Rumors: Pete Alonso Could Leave the New York Mets for a Veteran for $1.7 Million
The Mets appear to be moving away from Pete Alonso, who is still in free agency, based on the lack of any significant developments. Scott Boras, Alonso's agent, continues to treat both Alonso and Alex Bregman badly, depriving them of a team even as the spring season approaches. Additionally, the organization is now searching for alternatives after Alonso turned down the Mets' $70 million offer. Are there any well-known candidates to replace Alonso in a free agency?
The younger talent has options that can demonstrate their value. The Mets can also consider Jose Iglesias, a veteran who is available for the lowest possible price, as a possible Alonso replacement!
He was a member of the Mets the previous season and could be the best Alonso substitute. Since Iglesias plays at second base, he won't fill the first baseman need, so it would take a significant reorganization of the base positions to find alternatives to Alonso.
Therefore, moving Iglesias to 2B, Baty to 3B, and Mark Vientos from 3B to 1B may provide the Mets strong base positions. Additionally, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos are both deserving rookies for the Mets who can succeed in their new roles. However, given that Iglesias is 35 years old and past his peak, there is no assurance that he will duplicate his success from the previous season.
For those who are not familiar, he is producing a solid 2024 performance, hitting at.337/.381/.448 with 26 RBI and 4 home homers.
On the SNY podcast, Mets insider Joe Demayo said, "I think having a veteran would just help make things feel more solid." Iglesias will therefore be useful in providing consistency and dependability in the lineup in addition to his performance numbers, and an experienced player like him will be useful in mentoring the young players at the bases. For a year, Iglesias, who is represented by Scott Boras, is available for $1.7 million.
Boras is notorious for making ludicrous agreements, but he made an exception in this case. Alonso is requesting $100 million, but Iglesias requires $1.7 million.
Iglesias is a powerful short-term solution for the Mets despite not being able to match Alonso in power hitting. The fact that the Mets are interested in using his expertise rather than just performance is also hurting Iglesias.
The discussions with Boras are still ongoing, despite the fact that there is currently no proof that Alonso has shook hands with the Mets. Alonso was just the second player in Mets history to play all 162 games last season. It will take time for the Mets to replace someone with his level of performance, as he finished the season with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs.
Additionally, Pete Alonso still hasn't found a new home, which gives the Mets optimism if they can get him back. Therefore, the two may still be together.
The Blue Jays are almost at the $261 million luxury tax threshold after spending $92.5 million to sign Anthony Santander. Alonso has a small window of opportunity since fans are still unsure if they have any room for an additional $100 million. Boras' hardball style is no longer acceptable to the Mets, who have acquired Juan Soto and are now seeking Iglesias to join their team, indicating that they are not desperate to acquire Alonso.
Even though Iglesias can be a strong substitute for Alonso, the Met must find a long-term answer in the interim. However, the Mets' best remaining option—which the fans have long demanded—is still to get Alonso back. How do you feel about Pete Alonso leaving the Mets? Leave a remark in the space provided below.
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