Pete Alonso’s Market Heats Up; Blue Jays in mix, Mets talking to others too

Pete Alonso’s free agency is reaching a critical juncture.

Alonso’s market is heating up, with three teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, engaged in discussions about the power-hitting first baseman, league sources said. If the Blue Jays landed Alonso, they would still prefer to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr., said a person familiar with the club’s thinking. Guerrero played 12 games at third base last year, and he and Alonso could serve as the club’s designated hitters.

Meanwhile, the New York Mets want a settlement, as the New York Post first reported. As of early Thursday morning, people briefed on the matter said a financial hurdle still exists between the two sides. The Mets are in active talks with other players, and it would be difficult to fit Alonso into their plans if they strike a deal in other pursuits, said a person familiar with the Mets’ plans.

If the Mets don’t end up re-signing Alonso, player No. 8 onwards Athletics Free Agent Big Board, it is possible for the team to get additional help from a designated hitter or spend more in the bullpen.

Earlier, league sources suggested contract length was an issue between the two sides. But Alonso’s camp recently offered the Mets a three-year deal with opt-outs, as former Mets GM Jim Duquette first reported. It marked an important development, but it was hard to know how much it improved the negotiations without knowing the dollar figures.

(Top photo by Pete Alonso: Harry How/Getty Images)