Pete Alonso might soon settle on this side or the other. However, with recent developments, it is more likely to be the New York Mets. There has been considerable speculation for the Cincinnati Reds as well, but an MLB insider thinks it’s the Mets for Alonso.
Recently, MLB insider Buster Olney has weighed in on the ongoing saga surrounding Pete Alonso’s free agency. According to him, a return to the New York Mets remains the most favorable outcome for the veteran first baseman. While Alonso had eyes on a lucrative deal and he is testing the competitive market for first basemen. However, his options have become unexpectedly limited.
“There are many reasons why a Reds-Pete Alonso match is wildly improbable, from draft pick compensation to salary commitment. Ignore the three-card monte: the Mets may still be his best option, as they’ve always been,” Olney tweeted.
There are many reasons why a Reds-Pete Alonso match is wildly improbable, from draft pick compensation to salary commitment. Ignore the three-card monte: the Mets may still be his best option, as they've always been.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 31, 2025
As teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros, and New York Yankees moved quickly to secure first basemen, Alonso found himself at a disadvantage. The star missed out on opportunities to elevate his market value.
Also Read: New York Mets Owner Finally Breaks Silence On Pete Alonso’s Long-Standing Negotiation
MLB Insider Terms The Reds As ‘Dark Horse’ In Pete Alonso’s Case
While New York might be the last resort for Alonso, Reds probability could not be ignored. After Cincinnati emerged as an unexpected contender in the sweepstakes for Alonso, MLB insiders referred to them as a “dark horse”.
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Following an underwhelming offensive season in 2024, Alonso finds himself at the center of a challenging free-agency market. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Alonso’s contract discussions have stalled, leading to speculation about the Reds.
“Could the Reds pursue Pete Alonso? It’s probably a long shot, but with Alonso’s market not developing as expected, word is Cincy may consider it. It’s unusual for a star free agent to go from baseball’s biggest market to its smallest (tied with Milwaukee). But Cincinnati, with its smallish ballpark, might be a nice spot for Alonso to re-establish value on a deal with early opt-outs,” Heyman wrote.
Jon Heyman is reporting the Cincinnati Reds as a “dark horse candidate” to land Pete Alonso
— Nati Sports (@Nati_Sports) January 31, 2025
First I’ve heard or seen that 👀
Heyman notes that while it seems unlikely for a marquee player to transition from one of baseball’s largest markets to one of its smallest. And Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park could serve as a conducive environment for Alonso. The smaller dimensions of the Reds’ home field may help Alonso to re-establish his power-hitting reputation. And potentially entice executives to consider a more lucrative long-term deal.
Also Read: Pete Alonso Free Agency Update: Spencer Torkelson Could Send “Polar Bear” To An AL West Team
