If there’s one team the MLB community should settle their eyes on, it’s got to be the Toronto Blue Jays, for they might be on the verge of bringing in New York Mets’ first baseman, and currently a free agent, Pete Alonso. The player, who debuted in 2019, currently has the second-most home runs (226) in MLB behind the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge (232). The 29-year-old star power hitter has also managed to keep a steady homer output over the last four seasons as he’s clubbed 37, 40, 46, and 34. So, it’s no surprise that the Jays are reportedly willing to go to extreme lengths to secure the player. But before we start talking about the lengths…

Jays GM Ross Atkins already (kind of) confirmed that the team will be making some big moves this year. At the annual GM meeting last month, Atkins had stated, “There will be opportunities via free agency and via trade. We have some depth that, if we need to make trades, we’re in position to do so.” Now whether Alonso will be on that list is yet to officially confirmed. But there’s a problem the Jays will need to solve before they can get Alonso in.

You see, the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year shares a position with the Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. But fret not, as the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported on November 6, “The Blue Jays are open to moving Vlad Guerrero Jr. from first base to third, which could potentially open up a spot for Pete Alonso.” Case in point: The Jays have already experimented with Guerrero, shifting him to third during the season, for 12 of his 121 games on the infield.

On the other hand, some analysts also speculated that the Blue Jays might think about let Bichette go which will in turn open up a place for the Mets power hitter. However, that’s not happening in the near future as Atkins seems more than confident in his player’s abilities. “That would be an easy no,” the GM said, before adding, “He’s very much a part of our plans. Very similar to [Guerrero Jr]. They mean a lot to this organization, to this city, and country, and to the game of baseball. He’s going to be one of the better players in the game…Really excited about the two of them playing together.”

Notably, after an inconsistent offense in 2024—spiraled further by Bichette’s performance where he held a .225 batting average with four home runs, 31 RBI and five stolen bases in just 81 games, and his .598 OPS being 200 points lower than his career average—the Blue Jays urgently require a strong hitter in the middle of their lineup. The Mets player seems like a fit for the role given his track record as a two-time Home Run Derby champion and consistent MVP contender. Coming off a season where he smashed 46 home runs and drove in 118 runs, he played a significant role for the Mets despite their struggles to perform up to par alongside his stellar individual achievements.

But, getting Alonso onboard will be quite the investment if he decides to stay with the Mets under the leadership of David Stearns as they look to revamp their team. Ahead of the 2024 season, the player had signed a one-year, $20.5 million contract to avoid arbitration. This year, too, he received a qualifying offer from his team (a one-year contract as per the average salary of the top 125 earners of MLB. $21.05 million in this case). However, it’s highly unlikely that the first baseman will accept the offer, especially after he had rejected a seven-year, $158 million extension ($22.75 million on average per season) last year. This would’ve made him the sixth-highest paid first baseman in baseball. It seems Pete Alonso has realized he’s capable of more…

As per Sportsrac, the player will be eligible for a six-year deal worth nearly $30 million per season and $174 million overall. The Athletic, on the other hand, projected a seven-year deal worth $189 million total ($27 million per season). Mets’ President of Operations David Stearns also seems well aware that getting the player won’t be easy. “Would love to have him back…We also understand free agency can take twists and turns. He is going to evaluate his market. We are going to do the best we can,” Stearns had said on the MLB Network earlier this week.

Hence, the Blue Jays might have to put together a deal, including promising prospects like Ricky Tiedemann or Orelvis Martinez alongside emerging talents from the Major League, like Alek Manoah or Cavan Biggio.

Mets’ perspective on the ordeal

It would be quite challenging for the Mets to consider losing Alonso, as he holds value beyond his power-hitting abilities. He also serves as a popular figure in the clubhouse and is a beloved player among fans. As Alonso has entered free agency, the Mets are now confronted with a choice. Stearns is known for making moves when necessary. Hence, if Toronto presents an offer for Alonso that aligns with the Mets’ objectives and needs, Stearns might very well make the call to proceed with the deal.

If the Blue Jays manage to acquire Alonso as part of their team roster change, it could substantially alter the competitiveness in the AL East division of baseball games given how the Orioles’ Rays’ and Yankees’ lineups are already known to be. Toronto might just have a real chance of overtaking the Orioles and going far in the playoffs by having Alonso’s batting skills on their side.

While nothing is set in stone, the Blue Jays’ interest in Pete Alonso is something to keep an eye on this offseason, as it could lead to a development that might change the course of both Toronto and New York baseball teams’ futures.

While Blue Jays supporters may currently envision Alonso wearing a Toronto jersey, Mets fans eagerly anticipate Stearns’s next actions in what looks to be an offseason.

What do you think will happen? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!