The Los Angeles Angels entered this offseason with a clear mission: add more firepower to their lineup. They ranked near the bottom in vital offensive categories during the 2024 season. The Angels had their eyes on Anthony Santander, an effective fit with his switch-hitting capability. The buzz around Santander became real, and for a while, it looked a perfect fit. But then, in a twist that frustrated Angels fans, Santander inked a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Now, the Angels are once again looking at the free-agent market. One name that keeps popping up is Pete Alonso. Identified as a top slugger in baseball, Pete could bring the kind of power that would quickly elevate the Angels’ offense. However, is he the answer? That is where the real question lies. And it could just be time for the team to take a gamble.

A leadership void and a glimmer of hope in Pete Alonso

In 2024, the Angels finished with 99 losses, plagued by injuries to stars, like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon. Moreover, the team’s offense has issues galore, ranking at the bottom of the stats ladder. As the season wore on, fans grew vocal, needing transformation. The void in leadership became undeniable, with hopes of a competitive season slowly fading. Last time, they lost Shohei Ohtani.

It was, like, a bad dream for them! Even missing out on free agents, like Anthony Santander, adds to the enhancing frustration. Some fans have begun to doubt the team’s ability to rise from the ashes. It left the team in search of something to reignite the team.

Enter Pete Alonso, the two-time home run derby champion and Mets slugger!

He has continuously crushed over 37+ home runs in each of the past three seasons. Pete Alonso has a total of 226 career home runs in just six seasons. Despite a slight dip in his batting average and on-base percentage, Pete Alonso’s power remains a force to be reckoned with. Alonso’s capability to provide quick offense is what the Angles are looking for.

However, the question remains: will the Angels be ready to take the financial risk and lineup transformation that comes with acquiring a player, like Pete Alonso?

Is Pete Alonso worth the price?

A $100 million deal for Pete Alonso would probably be a hefty commitment for the team. It could establish some tricky roster decisions. Given the team’s history with risky deals, like, the $240 million for Albert Pujols, adding Pete Alonso could need vital financial flexibility. In addition, they need to shuffle their roster for Pete Alonso.

For instance, Nolan Schanuel and Taylor Ward could presumably go through the door to accommodate Alonso. Despite such issues, Pete Alonso’s power and fan appeal could reinvigorate the Angles.

If Alonso proves too costly, the Angels could look at other free-agent hitters. For instance, J.D. Martinez, with a .402/.629/1.031 batting line can be added. In addition, Jorge Soler, with a batting average of .243 with 9 home runs and 24 RBI in 49 games could fill the gap. Soler’s home run ability and right-handed bat could be appealing, while Martinez’s veteran presence would add stability.

So, this could be a temporary situation or something we can assess over a period. However, the Angels definitely need someone who can guide the team back into the spotlight. It could be Pete Alonso. It could be someone else.

The Angels need to focus on their internal leadership and invest more in enhancing its players’ capabilities. What are your thoughts on this?