"Modern day first baseman is more athletic" - Ex-MLB pro offers perspective on Pete Alonso's uncertain free agency

Former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso's free agency is extending beyond anyone would've expected this offseason. The All-Star slugger's potential reunion with the Mets seems unlikely after recent developments.

Despite being one of the most prolific hitters in the league since his MLB debut, Alonso has been unable to attract an offer to his liking in free agency so far.

Former MLB first baseman and outfielder Brian O'Grady shared his perspective on Alonso's prolonged free agency. While the former Padres slugger feels Alonso might not be in the mold of a modern-day first baseman, his free agency comes down to the years and contract value.

He said on the "Justin Ayers Baseball" podcast (22:00 onwards):

"I'm pretty sure he's up there in the picking stats. He's good at digging balls out. I believe I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure he rates pretty solid as a first baseman. He's still a pretty good athlete, but I do think the modern-day first baseman is more athletic in general than before.

"I'm not exactly sure what his numbers were last year, I think they were down a little bit from kind of his best years. But my guess would be he's holding out for more years or more money than some of these teams are willing to go to for whatever reason."

The New York Mets reportedly offered Pete Alonso a three-year deal worth around $70 million earlier this month. However, the former Rookie of the Year reportedly turned down the offer, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Blue Jays emerge as landing spot, with Pete Alonso's Mets reunion unlikely

Alonso, who has played for the Mets since making his MLB debut, is unlikely to return to Citi Field, with New York bringing back Jesse Winker on a one-year, $7.5 million contract last week.

The Mets also turned their attention to their bullpen by singing World Series-winning reliever A.J. Minter on Friday. With the Mets seemingly moving on from their former All-Star slugger, the Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as a landing spot for Alonso.

The 30-year-old could sign a pillow contract with the Blue Jays, teaming up with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Toronto, who is expected to hit free agency after the 2025 season. With Spring Training on the horizon, Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, will be keen on finding a new team to enter next season in prime condition.