Pete Alonso's Market Development Hinges on Juan Soto's Decision

While much of the baseball world has been abuzz with speculation about Juan Soto's future, another power hitter, Pete Alonso, has remained somewhat under the radar during the early stages of free agency.

Industry experts suggest that Alonso's market will only fully materialize after Soto's situation is resolved. This isn't surprising, as Soto is the primary target for several big-market teams, including the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox. Teams that miss out on Soto will likely turn their attention to Alonso, with extra budget to offer him a lucrative deal.

So far, it's unclear if Alonso has received any formal offers. Last year, he reportedly turned down a seven-year, $158 million contract extension that would have cemented his place with the Mets. Since early November, Alonso has been free to negotiate with any of the 30 MLB teams.

Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Soto, Alonso has little incentive to commit to a deal just yet. For teams that don't secure Soto, Alonso could quickly become a practical alternative. The fact that both players share the same agent, Scott Boras, makes it even more likely that Alonso will wait until Soto's future is decided.

Which Teams Might Be Interested?
Mets: Unsurprisingly, the Mets are at the top of the list of potential suitors. Although Alonso has never explicitly stated that returning to Queens is his top choice, he frequently expresses his affection for New York. The challenge lies in the Mets' willingness to meet Alonso's financial demands, especially as they focus on pitching reinforcements. If Soto does not end up in New York, Alonso could become their priority again.

Yankees: With Anthony Rizzo's departure, the Yankees have a significant hole at first base. Even if Soto re-signs with the Yankees, there is a possibility that Alonso could join him, further strengthening their lineup.

Nationals: Alonso has been linked to the Nationals in several media reports. His power-hitting ability could be the catalyst that propels a young team into contention.

Giants and Mariners: Both teams could benefit from Alonso's power and consistency at the plate. They need an offensive boost, making Alonso an attractive target.

Cubs: Historically, the Cubs seemed like a good fit for Alonso, but the emergence of Michael Busch may have altered their plans.

Red Sox and Blue Jays: If Soto chooses a different team, both Boston and Toronto could pivot to Alonso. While the fits may not be perfect on paper, adjustments like trading Triston Casas or moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to DH could make space for Alonso.

What Could an Alonso Contract Look Like?
Having already rejected a $158 million deal, Alonso is likely aiming for a more substantial contract. However, it may be challenging to surpass the contracts of Matt Olson (eight years, $168 million) and Freddie Freeman (six years, $162 million), which were signed three years ago. Nevertheless, Alonso’s consistent performance and power at the plate make him a highly valuable asset in the current market.

​As the offseason progresses, Alonso's market will become clearer, especially after Soto's decision. Teams will then have a better understanding of their needs and budgets, which could lead to significant offers for Alonso. Stay tuned as this dynamic market continues to unfold.