Key Takeaways:
– Yankees mull ‘crazy’ trade for Mets’ Pete Alonso to fill first baseman position.
– The team had promoted prospect Ben Rice and acquired JD Davis following Anthony Rizzo’s injury.
– Alonso, a free agent after this season, is expected to command an eight-year, $263 million contract.
– Trade complexities include the Mets’ unwillingness to empower the Yankees and their own bid to re-sign Alonso.
New Possible First Base Solution for the Yankees
With first baseman Anthony Rizzo sidelined due to a fractured arm, the New York Yankees have been on a quest to find an effective replacement. Their initial solution was to promote celebrated prospect Ben Rice after a brief but successful stint in Triple A. They also roped in experienced first baseman JD Davis via a trade from the A’s. However, a solution that sparked debate involved making a bold trade move to acquire the services of Mets’ star player Pete Alonso.
Rumor of Yankees’ Trade Deal for Alonso
While this plan seems a bit much, akin to hiring a luxe Lambo for a trip to the local grocery store – it could be a life-saver for the Yankees. Despite its prodigious appearance, some believe that trading for Alonso is a good idea. This is largely because the team’s need for a first baseman is paramount and unaddressed until now.
Alonso is undoubtedly a heavyweight player. Currently in his seventh season, the two-time All-Star sports a batting average of .241 with 16 home runs. His formidable record, including 53 home runs as a rookie and 40+ in the subsequent two seasons, are enough to keep opposition pitchers awake at night.
Trade Complexities
However, trading for Alonso isn’t as simple as it seems. Alonso will be hitting the free-agent market after this season, looking for a deal close to eight years and worth a whopping $263 million, as per Spotrac’s estimates. This leaves the Yankees in a tricky situation – should they shell out such a vast amount for a short-term rental solution? Would they be willing to exchange their promising prospects for this quick-fix method?
Additionally, the Mets would not want to facilitate bolstering the Yankees’ squad potentially leading to their Championship victory. Also, considering Alonso’s free-agent status, the Mets could be contemplation him as a substitute plan if they fail to get Soto to re-sign. Hence, enabling the Yankees could end up damaging the Mets’ own winter plans.
Deterrents of a Yankees-Alonso Trade
There’s an additional deterrent to an Alonso-Yankees trade. The Mets have bounced back following a disappointing May with a 13-6 run in June, improving their record to 37-39, and are now only 1.5 games out of a Wild Card playoff spot. So, the Mets have little reason to put Alonso on the trading blocks. Nonetheless, the team’s performance in the coming weeks could dictate Alonso’s future.
In conclusion, the Yankees’ decision on their first base dilemma will be a crucial marker for the season. Alonso’s acquisition could be a game-changer, but navigating the complexities of such a trade will demand astute management and negotiation skills. As the trade deadline nears, Yankees’ fans and management alike will be eagerly watching the developments on this front.