Last year, the off-season spotlight was dominated by Shohei Ohtani. This year, it’s all about Juan Soto. The Dominican star is the hottest commodity on the free-agent market, especially at just 26 years old, after a strong season with the New York Yankees. He even propelled the team to the World Series, and as the saying goes, you get what you work for. Although Soto’s efforts didn’t bring him a ring, they may well earn him a jaw-dropping $600 million deal!

Yes, according to whispers—at least according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post—that’s the big magic number. Seven teams are reportedly interested, with the Yankees and the New York Mets leading the charge. However, Juan Soto’s fate is closely tied to other free agents, such as Pete Alonso, the Mets’ homegrown star and fan favorite. Recently, former NFL star Boomer Esiason made a bold claim, suggesting that it could lead to a huge swap. If the Mets land Soto, Pete Alonso could very well end up a Yankee, for all we know.

Could Pete Alonso land up in the Bronx?

Pete Alonso is undoubtedly one of the most beloved players among Mets fans, and he’s had an impressive run with the team. According to Baseball Almanac, he’s just 26 home runs away from tying the franchise record. With the Yankees showing interest, rumors have been circulating since this past spring, particularly in the event that Steve Cohen successfully lands Juan Soto for the Mets. Now, these rumors have gained more traction with a bold endorsement from a former NFL star.

Boomer made a bold prediction, saying, “He’s [Pete Alonso] going to be a Yankee. If Juan Soto is in right field for the Mets, Pete Alonso is on first base for the Yankees. I’m telling you.” While this might just shock everyone, Boomer has good reason to back his statements up. For him, the Yankees could go after Alonso instead of throwing all their cash at Juan Soto. For him, having a well-rounded lineup with talented players like Alex Bregman at third base, Alonso at first base, and Anthony Santander—makes more sense for the Yankees.

“Then you have three guys playing three positions… and you might have two guys in the lineup hitting 50 home runs. And all of a sudden, Pete Alonso has protection. I know he’s not a contact hitter, but you got three home run hitters back to back to back,” said Boomer. While Boomer agrees that Juan Soto is no doubt the bigger name, the New York Yankees might get a bigger bang for their buck with Alonso and a few other key signings.

The Mets might not have to sacrifice Pete Alonso!

Juan Soto, making his move to the Queens, has been in the rounds for a long time now. Soto is in no hurry to decide, so it’s a marathon, not a sprint. But that being said, there are rumors that while Soto is wanted by Mets owner Steve Cohen, it doesn’t mean that the owner will opt out of Pete Alonso! Yes, this is an interesting new take! In an article, SNY manager of editorial production, Danny Abriano, predicted Cohen wouldn’t make a this/that choice. Abriano mentioned, “A perfect storm is brewing for the Mets, who have tons of money coming off the books ahead of the 2025 season and are in strong shape payroll-wise for the next half-decade.” He further added, “It’s hard to see the sweepstakes coming down to anything but a Mets versus Yankees battle. And the Mets will come out on top.” 

Various insiders have said that the New York Mets owner does have the resources to outdo the pinstriped team. Jon Heyman said on Wednesday that for the Mets, signing both Juan Soto and Alonso too is not out of the question. And Abriano too mentioned that it’s business with the two players. However, there is a certain amount of emotion tied to Pete Alonso and the Mets. So for him, perhaps an okay deal of $125 million for five years makes the most sense for Abriano.

So do you think the Mets will retain Pete Alonso and also get Juan Soto? The Dominican apparently is looking for not just the highest-paying team but a winning team too. Let us know if you think the Mets can clinch him!