Just in: Trade Proposal Sends 3-Time All-Star Slugger to Cubs Before Opening Day
As slugger Pete Alonso’s free agency approaches in just a season, the New York Mets are already facing inquiries regarding the potential of trading him before the midseason deadline. Renowned as one of the top first basemen in Major League Baseball and a formidable offensive force, the Mets are poised to receive a substantial return for Alonso if they decide to part ways with him sooner rather than later. The Chicago Cubs are likely eager to seize the opportunity to acquire him.
On February 29, Joey Mistretta from ClutchPoints projected that the Cubs could assemble a trade package including recently-added infielder Michael Busch, right-handed pitcher Cade Horton, and left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks to secure Alonso.
- Cubs receive: Pete Alonso (1B)
- Mets receive: Cade Horton (RHP), Michael Busch (INF), Jordan Wicks (LHP)
During the 2023 season with the Mets, Alonso posted a batting line of .217/.318/.504 with 46 home runs, ranking third in MLB behind only Matt Olson and Kyle Schwarber in terms of home runs. This marked his second straight season of surpassing 40 home runs and 100 RBIs, earning him his third All-Star selection in his five-year MLB career.
The speculation surrounding Alonso’s availability for trade has sparked interest from various teams, with the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays being swiftly identified as potential destinations. However, it would be unwise to overlook the Cubs as a possible landing spot for him.
Securing Alonso’s presence would enable Bellinger to assume the role of the Cubs’ regular center fielder
After a prolonged free agency drama, the Cubs ultimately re-signed Cody Bellinger, a two-time All-Star, to a lucrative three-year, $80 million contract on February 27. This signing solidified Chicago’s infield lineup for Opening Day, intending to rotate Bellinger between first base and the outfield. The team planned to have Busch play first base, Nico Hoerner at second, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, and Christopher Morel at third base.
The Cubs boast significant depth in their infield with Patrick Wisdom and Nick Madrigal capable of playing third base or first base, as they did in the 2023 season.
Even though the Cubs have no immediate need for a first baseman, the potential trade for Pete Alonso is driven by their urgent requirement for Bellinger as a full-time center fielder. Acquiring Alonso would enable Bellinger’s transition to center field without solely relying on relatively inexperienced Busch. Alonso would step in as the everyday first baseman for Chicago, providing strong infield support, especially with Morel taking on the challenge at third base.
Coming off a playoff miss in the previous season, the Cubs are determined to compete for a postseason spot in 2024. Strengthening their lineup and defense by adding another dependable power hitter can effectively address any weaknesses and enhance their chances of contention.
Will the Mets Trade Alonso Before the Deadline? Originally drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2016 MLB draft and debuting in the major leagues with the team in 2019, Pete Alonso expressed to the Associated Press on February 17 his strong inclination to spend his entire career with the Mets.
Alonso remarked, “I love it here. I have always envisioned myself as a lifelong Met; it’s something I’ve constantly considered. New York holds a special place for my family and me … However, the future is unpredictable. My focus right now is on this season, striving to be the best version of myself.”
This season, Alonso’s salary with the Mets totals 291 million contract post-2024, equating to an impressive average annual value (AAV) of $32.9 million as a first baseman.
Facing impending free agency and the likelihood of competing bids from other teams next offseason, it would be prudent for the Mets to contemplate trading Alonso before he departs and they risk losing him without compensation. Nevertheless, Mets’ owner Steve Cohen remains hopeful that Alonso will deliver an outstanding season compelling enough for the team to offer him a substantial extension, irrespective of rival teams’ interest.
Cohen expressed in a preview of the team’s new podcast on February 23, “He is a key figure in our current team and potentially in the future. We acknowledge the strong attachment of the fans to him, and I am attentive to their sentiments. I hope he achieves exceptional success, perhaps hitting 55 home runs, creating a challenging situation for me during free agency. I would view that as a highly favorable outcome.”
