The Yankees’ pursuit of Juan Soto ended abruptly when the superstar signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, despite the Yankees’ competitive 16-year, $760 million offer. With Soto gone, the Yankees’ lineup now looks significantly weaker, potentially relying on players like DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Trent Grisham as starters if the season began today. Upgrades are urgently needed.
Jacob Mountz of FanSided suggests the Yankees take a page from the Mets’ playbook and target their own slugger, Pete Alonso. Spotrac estimates Alonso could sign a six-year, $174 million deal this winter, making him a viable option for New York.
Though Alonso’s batting average has dipped in recent seasons, his power remains elite. Mountz notes Alonso’s .429 career postseason on-base percentage outshines Soto’s .389, and he has hit five home runs in just 54 playoff at-bats. At 30 years old, Alonso still has upside and would be a perfect addition to the Yankees’ lineup, slotting in as a cleanup hitter behind Aaron Judge.
The Yankees must weigh whether to invest nearly $200 million in Alonso or opt for free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, whose projected deal is around $100 million. Signing Alonso would not only solidify first base defensively but also prevent him from potentially joining Soto in the Mets’ lineup in the future.
This aggressive move could revitalize the Yankees’ offense and position them as contenders in the upcoming season.
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