The New York Yankees have been associated with signing power-hitting agents for a while. However, their rumored interest in Pete Alonso comes with some challenges to overcome. Despite his impressive track record of hitting 226 home runs since 2019, which could boost the team’s offense, fitting him into a lineup already dealing with roster and financial limitations this season could prove to be difficult.

The lineup strategy of the Yankees is quite concerning due to their heavy use of right-handed batters in recent years. This has made them particularly susceptible to top-notch pitching staffs. Alonso, another right-handed slugger, would only deepen this imbalance. Teams like the Astros and Rays have consistently exploited this flaw, leaving the Yankees struggling in critical postseason moments. Adding a left-handed bat or a more balanced hitter might better address this long-standing issue.

Soto vs Pete Alonso: a financial tug of war

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, “Alonso might have to wait — and unlike Adames, he’s not a great fit for some of the teams involved with Soto. Do the Yankees need power? Sure, but it’s hard to imagine their front office buying into another 1B/DH type on a long-term deal when they still have Giancarlo Stanton locked up for a couple of more years and with Judge edging toward his mid-30s. The Yankees have been right-handed heavy at times in recent years, and it has been a problem against teams with elite bullpens.”

The Yankees face internal roster complications. Giancarlo Stanton committed to his contract until 2027 and played as the designated hitter for much of the season. Pete Alonso’s similarity as another first base player or designated hitter restricts the Yankees’ options for varying their lineup configurations. While Stanton’s recent production has declined, the team remains financially tied to him, making another expensive long-term commitment for Alonso less feasible.

Age dynamics also factor into the equation. Aaron Judge, the cornerstone of the Yankees’ offense, will be 33 years old in 2025. So, with Stanton locked in, the Yankees may hesitate to tie up additional resources in a power hitter who offers limited defensive versatility. Instead, they could prioritize left-handed bats or more balanced offensive contributors. Moreover, financial priorities also play a critical role.

The Yankees are focused on retaining Juan Soto, who is projected to command a record-setting contract worth over $600 million. If Soto signs, the Yankees’ flexibility to pursue Alonso will vanish. Soto, a younger left-handed hitter with elite on-base skills, better fits their needs both strategically and financially. Even if Soto lands elsewhere, the Yankees might still prioritize more versatile or left-handed players to balance their roster. As the Yankees address their roster shortcomings, Alonso’s market may pivot elsewhere, leaving New York’s focus squarely on players who better align with their long-term vision.

Alonso’s power market beyond the Yankees

If the Yankees decide not to pursue Pete Alonso in their search for a baseman with power at the plate, other teams might step up as suitable matches for him. The Seattle Mariners stand out as a prime destination. After parting ways with Ty Frances services, the Mariners are in search of a middle-of-the-lineup presence to enhance their team’s foundation. Alonso’s power could be the missing piece Seattle needs to boost their offense as they navigate through an AL West division.

After a disappointing season from José Abreu, Alonso could stabilize first base for Houston and provide the offensive jolt they’ve lacked in recent years. The Mets, Alonso’s current team, remain a wildcard; their pursuit of Juan Soto could complicate things. Other suitors, such as the Nationals and Cardinals, might view Pete Alonso as a valuable piece to accelerate rebuilding or supplement playoff-contending rosters. His appeal transcends pure power; his experience and ability to perform under pressure, as seen in the Mets’ 2024 postseason run, make him a desirable target for teams looking to contend.

While the Yankees focus on Juan Soto and other long-term priorities, Alonso’s market remains robust, with teams like the Mariners, Astros, and Mets better positioned to benefit from his skillset. As New York leans toward reshaping their lineup with a more balanced approach, Alonso’s next chapter will likely unfold in a setting more attuned to his strengths.