Ex-Royals star decodes Mets' interest in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The New York Mets started the offseason hoping to re-sign Pete Alonso but now seem to have diverted to another plan, which includes trading for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the Toronto Blue Jays.

First basemen Alonso and Guerrero Jr. offer similar production, but the former is hitting in his 30s while the latter is still in his mid-20s. This has allowed the Mets to hold some leverage. The Mets are reportedly already in talks with the Blue Jays for Guerrero Jr., who will become a free agent after the 2025 season.

Former Kansas City Royals star Eric Hosmer weighed in on the latest rumors surrounding the Mets and their interest in acquiring Guerrero Jr. Hosmer explained that rumors, especially those involving big names like Guerrero, tend to surface when clubs are exploring backup plans.

"You hear certain things, especially with Alonzo," Hosmer said (9:35 onwards) on Diggin' Deep podcast. "Like you hear now the Mets talking about possibly wanting to trade for Vlad out there in Toronto."

Hosmer noted that when such trade rumors go public, it's often because the Mets have been in talks with Alonso, but the negotiations have stalled.

"And for me, it's like, okay, if they're bringing that up and that's going public through the media, then it's like, okay, they've offered Pete something, and he wants more, and they're just at a standstill," Hosmer added. "They're just like, hey, you know, this is our plan B, and we're about to do this. But yeah, those are confusing ones."

Thus, according to Hosmer, the Mets reported interest in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is only because they want Pete Alonso to fall for their short-term deal.

MLB analyst floats blockbuster 5-player trade idea involving Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

MLB: Miami Marlins at Toronto Blue Jays - Source: Imagn

Earlier this month, MLB insider Mike Rodriguez reported that the Mets are putting together an offer to acquire Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

FanSided's Jacob Mountz proposed a five-player trade idea that the Mets could propose. As per the trade idea, the Blue Jays will receive infielder Mark Vientos, shortstop Jett Williams, infielder Ronny Mauricio and outfielder Starling Marte from the Mets in exchange for Guerrero Jr.

This is a heavy parcel from the Mets but one that could give them certainty that the first baseman is heading their way.

Do you like this trade idea from Mountz? Let us know your views in the comments section.