The New York Yankees are making quick strides with their offseason deals. Recently, as expected, they have declined Anthony Rizzo’s 2020 club option, making him go free agency. Moreover, the rate was steep, with $17 million for Rizzo, who hasn’t been able to prove his mantle. This has left the spot of first base empty, and they already have a name to fill, apparently.

So, the name coming forward is another NY favorite—in fact, the face of the New York Mets—Pete Alonso. The 29-year-old, given that the World Series has ended, is now a free agent. What’s interesting in this entire ordeal is just the sheer fact that the Mets are also the frontrunner when it comes to pursuing Juan Soto. Just as now, as per Jon Heyman, the Yankees are after Alonso. Could it lead to a swap situation?

New York Yankees aim for Pete Alonso

The first base position has been a weak point for the Yankees this season. The first baseman had a wRC+ 76. So it’s granted that they would want to make changes and get someone strong. Now, along with Alonso, others make a strong pool of first basemen. Like Christian Walker and Paul Goldschmidt. But Heyman thinks Alonso is the aim for the Yankees.

“He’s [Pete Alonso] believed to be a prime backup plan to Plan A Juan Soto,” said Jon Heyman. But it isn’t going to be easy to have hands-on him because the Mets would want him. Firstly, he has had a stellar season, and second, the New York Mets owner also has a close relationship with Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras. So it’s a difficult scenario, but not impossible.

This is because the Mets, though they have a huge budget to spend, would want to protect other marquee players like Juan Soto. And Pete Alonso also turned down a major deal given by the team in 2023, after he came out of the worst season at that time.

Polar Bear wants to remain in New York 

Pete Alonso, aka Polar Bear, is no doubt a fan favorite. Ever since he joined the Mets, he has been a powerhouse performer. And he recently even expressed his want to stay on this team, which he has grown so much with. “I love this team. I love this organization. This fan base has treated not just myself but my family so, so well. Right now, I’m just thinking of the group,” said Pete Alonso. However, he did add that he hasn’t thought about too far off into the future.

Pete Alonso was drafted in 2016, but he wasn’t a top prospect. He, however, earned his spot through his gameplay. He set a home run record as a rookie with 53 homers—a crazy deal. And he since then became the face of the New York Mets. But this season we saw dips for sure, making the Mets offer him a major contract off the table. However, Brandon Nimmo said, “He means a lot to the fan base and to this team.” But the New York Mets also have Mark Vientos, the perfect successor to Alonso. So his future sure does seem uncertain right now!

If Pete Alonso wants to remain a New York-based player, Jon Heyman’s news of the New York Yankees being interested sure seems like a great deal for him. What do you think? Let us know in the comments. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.