Chicago Cubs Linked to Top Power Hitter Via Trade
One thing is for certain — there will be plenty of drama surrounding New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso until he and the Mets determine his future.
Which means the Chicago Cubs can remain in the running to acquire one of the best sluggers in the game.
Recently, the Athletic put together a list of 10 stars that could be traded this offseason. Alonso made the list.
That not’s a surprise. Alonso is entering his final arbitration year, he stands to make more than $20 million at the arbitration table and has new management — president of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza.
Stearns was recently asked about Alonso and his future in New York. His quote was firm but, at the same time, left the door open about the future.
“We’re fortunate to have him,” Stearns said. “I’m looking forward to watching him play this season, and I’m not going to predict the future.”
Stearns and Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, met this week in Scottsdale. Boras said he wanted to let Stearns know that “when it comes to the Polar Bear, we’re not in contract hibernation.” Alonso is nicknamed the Polar Bear.
The Athletic made it clear that Stearns is open to everything:
Stearns, who was officially introduced right after the regular season, wants to put his stamp on the team. He is open to Alonso trade discussions and Alonso extension discussions.
The Cubs were one of three teams the article connected to a potential trade for Alonso, the others being the Seattle Mariners and the San Francisco Giants.
In his five Major League seasons Alonso is a three-time All-Star, former National League Rookie of the Year and has 192 home runs, including a MLB-leading 53 his rookie season in 2019.
The Cubs have their own free-agent issues, most notably Cody Bellinger (who is also a Boras client). He can play part-time at first base. The Cubs are also making noise that they wish to try Christopher Morel at first base.
Alonso would be a much better package of player relative to that position and the confines of Wrigley Field would be a good fit for his swing.
A trade would require a long-term contract for Alonso along with players given up by the Cubs — most likely high-level prospects — but as long as the door remains open in New York for Alonso to leave, the Cubs are likely to be in the conversation for one of baseball’s best power hitters.
