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The Pete Alonso saga may be far from over after the slugging first baseman refrained from signing for much of the past offseason.
Despite the first baseman returning to the Mets on a two-year deal worth $54 million, former general manager Jim Bowden believes Alonso could return to free agency to seek the contract he desired this past year.
“Alonso entered Tuesday ranked fourth in MLB with a .965 OPS,” wrote Bowden. “He likely will opt out and get the long-term contract he sought last offseason before returning to the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal.”
It would be back to square one for the Mets if Alonso were to re-enter free agency. The organization fought hard to keep Alonso in Queens entering this season, and it would have to do it all over again if the 30-year-old first baseman were to leave again.
Bowden also included potential suitors for Alonso.
“If he doesn’t stay in New York, Alonso would be a fit with several teams including the Phillies (Bryce Harper would seem willing to move back to the outfield for him), Cubs (they would have to be interested if they lose out on Tucker), Rangers and Mariners (both would benefit from his power bat and leadership, as would the Red Sox, particularly if they keep Rafael Devers at DH),” wrote Bowden.
Juan Soto’s return to the Bronx would be a cakewalk compared to what Alonso’s return to Citi Field would be like if the slugging first baseman went to the Phillies or a division rival. However, Harper’s willingness to return to the outfield means a deal could go through.
Mets fans may be in for another long offseason if Alonso walks away at season’s end.
More MLB: Carlos Mendoza Provides Update: ‘He’s Going to be Fine, He’s Juan Soto’
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