Why Blue Jays should, and should not, add top free-agent slugger

The Toronto Blue Jays and first baseman Pete Alonso have been linked all through the offseason.

There are conflicting experiences as as to whether or not the Blue Jays and Alonso are getting nearer to a contract. Andy Martino of SNY was one in all a number of folks to report that talks between the 2 sides are advancing. Nonetheless, Shi Davidi from Sportsnet disputes that assertion, saying that the talks are “not gaining momentum.” 

Chances are high, if the Blue Jays do signal Alonso, it will require one other important contract. The primary baseman reportedly wished a contract exceeding Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson. Nonetheless, there are dangers with such a deal. Let’s take a look at three the reason why the Blue Jays ought to signal Pete Alonso and three the reason why they need to stroll away.

He would add one other energy menace to the lineup

First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the one remaining member of the 2024 Blue Jays to have an OPS+ over 100 and greater than 100 plate appearances. They lately signed Anthony Santander will present some safety for Guerrero within the lineup. Alonso, who has hit greater than 30 homers in each full season in his six-year profession, would make the lineup that a lot deeper.

Signing Alonso reveals dedication to contend

The Blue Jays have an elephant within the room in Guerrero. He’s within the remaining yr of his contract and has given the Blue Jays till the beginning of spring coaching to barter an extension. Guerrero might also need to see that the Blue Jays are critical about contending for the playoffs earlier than committing to a long-term deal. Including Alonso would present precisely that.

Alonso would step in for Guerrero if he leaves

In response to Jon Heyman of the New York Put up, Guerrero would favor to play third base this season as a substitute of first. No matter his place, Guerrero’s potential departure after the 2025 season would go away a big gap within the lineup. Alonso would already be in place to melt that influence as a lot as attainable.

Whereas Alonso is sensible, there are causes to maneuver on.

How a lot would Alonso need to be in Toronto?

The Blue Jays have had issue attracting prime free brokers earlier than signing outfielder Anthony Santander. Whereas Alonso would additional present that stars will go to Toronto, it’s truthful to surprise if he actually desires to be there. Alonso clearly desires to stick with the Mets, even reportedly providing the Mets a short-term deal to take action.

Alonso is trending in a regarding course

Whereas Alonso has been a constant energy menace, his latest efficiency reveals motive for concern. His OPS dropped by 81 factors between 2022 and 2024 whereas his strikeout price climbed six %. Alonso has hit 80 homers over the previous two seasons, however has a disappointing .229/.324/.480 batting line in his 1353 plate appearances. His 34 homers in 2024 have been the bottom of any full season. 

Was Alonso urgent due to extension talks and/or free company or is he beginning to decline? 

How for much longer can Alonso play first base?

Alonso just isn’t an awesome defensive first baseman. Whereas he’s satisfactory, he’s a big defensive downgrade from Guerrero. In all chance, Alonso might want to turn into a delegated hitter within the close to future. The identical holds true for Santander. 

Bringing Alonso in, particularly on a long term deal, might be a fair riskier proposition.