MLB insider names 7 cheaper first base options for Yankees instead of Pete Alonso ft. Justin Turner, Paul Goldschmidt

The New York Yankees are reportedly hunting for a new first baseman, but senior MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reckons it won't be Pete Alonso. He listed as many as seven alternatives the Yankees would consider, including Justin Turner and Paul Goldschmidt. That's because those would be easier on their budget rather than offering a massive free agent deal to the four-time All-Star first baseman.

Pete Alonso rejected a seven-year, $158 million extension with the New York Mets before reaching free agency at the end of the recently concluded season. However, Alonso had a subpar campaign in his walk year, although he was excellent for the Mets in the postseason. His value may have depreciated after the Houston Astros signed Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal, even though Walker had a superb year.

Therefore, Ken Rosenthal thinks the New York Yankees won't be tempted to sign Pete Alonso and would look at other less expensive options, either in a trade move or free agent deal, to fill their void at first base.

Rosenthal offered his thoughts on the Foul Territory podcast on Friday that Justin Turner, Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana, Josh Bell. Yandy Diaz, Josh Naylor, Nathaniel Lowe would be cheaper alternatives (2:30 - 4:30)

"They want to go cheaper at that position, and there are multiple options," he said. "You can look at the first base free agent market beyond Alonso. It's Justin Turner, it's Paul Goldschmidt, it's Carlos Santana, it's Josh Bell. All of these options. There are trade possibilities as well.

"So, they can survey the landscape, whether it's Yandy Diaz in a trade or Josh Naylor in a trade, or Nathaniel Lowe in a trade, or more likely in my estimation, one of the free agents you can get for roughly the same price you'd be paying one of the trade guys without giving up players," he continued.

"So, they're not giving up players if they sign one of those guys; they're not giving up draft picks by avoiding Alonso and Walker, and that seems to be the way they're going to go," he added.

The Yankees have added Cody Bellinger to their lineup, who can also play as a first baseman even though he's primarily an outfielder.

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Ken Rosenthal believes Pete Alonso will return to the Mets

Pete Alonso contribued four home runs and 10 RBIs for the Mets in the postseason (Image Source: Imagn)

According to Ken Rosenthal, the New York Yankees won't spend a huge amount of money in the free agency market this offseason after signing lefty ace Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract.

He underlined the reasons why adding another high-profile free agent, like Pete Alonso, could be detrimental to the team in the future.

"The qualifying offer and the potential loss of two draft picks was a factor here," he said.

"They lost their second and fifth highest picks for Max Fried. If they signed Walker or if they signed Alonso, they would also lose their third and sixth highest picks. You're essentially blowing up your draft. Now, if you're the Yankees, you might do it for one year, but it's not something teams like to do at all."

Ken Rosenthal thinks the Pete Alonso will eventually re-sign with the New York Mets.

"I don't expect the Yankees to do it," he added. "It seems to me that the most logical place, as it has been all along, is back at Citi Field."

Pete Alonso has been a huge favorite with the Mets fans after hitting 53 home runs in his debut season to win the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year.