How Alonso's Extension, Cubs' Morel Fit Together in Offseason
Pete Alonso may be giving the Chicago Cubs an assist in any potential trade pursuit of the New York Mets slugger.
The Mets, led by new president of baseball operations David Stearns, have had talks about a contract extension, per ESPN. The issue may be that Alonso is looking for a deal that would surpass recent contracts signed by other first basemen.
The largest contract for any first baseman is Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper, who signed a $330 million deal which has an average annual value of more than $25 million But Harper signed that deal when he was an outfielder and he only moved to first base this season.
After Harper, the largest contract belongs to Atlanta’s Matt Olson, who signed an eight-year, $168 million deal in 2022. It has an average annual value of $21 million.
That could be the type of deal that Alonso is shooting for.
Alonso is entering the final year of salary arbitration and per MLB Trade Rumors he could net a one-year deal in the neighborhood of $22 million.
If the Mets and Alonso can’t come to terms, the Cubs could be interested. ESPN also reported that if the Cubs try to make a move on Alonso, Christopher Morel could be a part of that deal.
The Cubs have committed to trying Morel out at first base going into Spring Training. But if the Cubs were to acquire Alonso, that would leave Morel without a position. Alonso would also be an upgrade at the position.
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.
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 right-handed 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.
