The Big Apple’s baseball scene is buzzing with anticipation as Juan Soto and Pete Alonso, two of the sport’s premier sluggers, approach a crossroads in their careers. Both players are in their walk year, set to become free agents at season’s end, and their decisions will undoubtedly shape the futures of the New York Yankees and New York Mets.

In Queens, Alonso’s situation is reeking of complications. Mets’ GM Billy Eppler previously offered a 7-year, $158 million extension to the Polar Bear’s previous agency, Apex Baseball, mirroring Matt Olson’s Atlanta Braves deal. Alonso, now being represented by Scott Boras, declined it.

Boras, renowned for his hardball tactics, sees Pete Alonso as a unique talent, citing his consistent 40-homer power and durability. “The market for consistent 40-homer, durable, infield-capable, true middle-of-the-lineup sluggers is the question,” Scott argues, “Note there are none available in free agency and none coming [in the next few years].”

This sentiment echoes the changing landscape for power-hitting first basemen. The days of $200 million mega-deals are fading, replaced by a focus on younger, more versatile athletes. Alonso, who turns 30 in December, must prove he’s an exception. His track record—tied with Nolan Arenado for most 40-homer seasons among active players—speaks volumes. But will it be enough to secure a record-breaking deal?

Across town in the Bronx, Juan Soto’s situation is turning out to be equally captivating. Acquired in a blockbuster trade, Soto seamlessly integrated into the Yankees lineup. “I would just use the word ‘special’,” Boras aptly describes his client, Soto’s impact.

However, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner’s recent comments about unsustainable payroll levels raise concerns. “I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially. It wouldn’t be sustainable for the vast majority of ownership [groups], given the luxury tax we have to pay,” Steinbrenner admitted.

This financial reality could complicate a Soto extension. The slugger previously rejected a 15-year, $440 million offer from the Washington Nationals. With a gross of $54 million to be earned in these past two seasons, Soto’s financial security now allows him to explore the open market. Would a potential 12-year, $564 million deal, echoing that of Shohei Ohtani, be enough to entice him?

Interestingly, the Mets could emerge as a potential suitor for Juan Soto if they lose Alonso. Steve Cohen, the Mets’ deep-pocketed owner, has shown a willingness to spend lavishly. Could he secure both sluggers, creating a formidable power duo in Queens?

Queens or Bronx? The battle for slugger supremacy for Pete Alonso & Juan Soto

The Yankees’ financial concerns extend beyond Soto. Alex Verdugo, Gleyber Torres, Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loáisiga are also impending free agents. While shedding nearly $100 million in salary this offseason offers flexibility, it also raises questions about Steinbrenner’s commitment to fielding a championship-caliber team.

As Joel Sherman writes in The NY Post, “It is part of the season within the New York season — the storylines that hover over the year.” The futures of Pete Alonso and Juan Soto are undoubtedly intertwined with the fates of their respective teams.

On the Queens’ side, the transition from Billy Eppler to David Stearns as president of baseball operations has also played a role in Alonso’s situation. Stearns quickly removed Alonso from trade discussions, recognizing the potential value of retaining the slugger for the long term.

Similarly, the Bombers’ acquisition of Juan Soto represented a significant investment in their quest for a World Series title. However, with Steinbrenner’s concerns about the payroll looming large, the team’s ability to retain Soto and build around him remains uncertain.

As the season unfolds, Alonso and Soto’s performances will be under intense scrutiny. Can Alonso replicate his 40-homer prowess? Will Soto match his now-captain Aaron Judge’s MVP-winning walk year? 

Ultimately, Alonso and Soto’s decisions will be a high-stakes gamble. Their legacies in New York—and potentially in the annals of baseball history—hinge on their next moves. Will they secure long-term deals with their current teams or test the open market for potentially record-breaking contracts? These are just some of the questions that will shape the narratives surrounding these two stars.