Pete Alonso's free agency in limbo with concerning report from MLB insider on Yankees, Mariners

Following Juan Soto's record-breaking $765 million deal with the New York Mets, the attention has shifted to other high-profile free agents available this offseason.

One such player is former NL Rookie of the Year, Pete Alonso. The four-time All-Star is one of the most productive first basemen in the game and just turned 30 last week.

Despite Alonso's stellar MLB record since his debut with the Mets in 2019, teams are unwilling to spend big on the coveted slugger. MLB insider Jim Bowden gave a concerning update for fans of the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, the two teams reportedly expected to be pursuing Alonso.

Bowden said on CBS (20:00):

"My sources are telling me the Mets would like to bring Pete Alonso, who is also a Scott Boras client, back. Juan Soto, I'm told, was given assurances that the Mets were going to get another big bat to put behind him in the lineup. Juan really benefited from Aaron Judge hitting behind him with the Yankees. I do think bringing Polar Bear back is something they really want to do.

"He doesn't have a great market right now because teams that need a first baseman. Like the Yankees, Astros and Mariners are not showing any interest in spending the kind of money it's s gonna take to get Alonso."

Mets owner Steve Cohen willing to bring back Pete Alonso

Pete Alonso has played for the Mets throughout his MLB career but the four-time All-Star walked into free agency at the end of the 2024 season and reportedly declined a qualifying offer from the team in November.

Despite interest from teams, including the Yankees, who have a vacancy at first base following Anthony Rizzo walking into free agency, the Mets are engaged in talks to bring back the fan-favorite.

Mets owner Steve Cohen said during the Winter Meetings:

"We think he's a great Met and we're still engaged. We hope he stays as a Met. He's entitled to go out, test his market and see what it is. Hopefully we'll get there."

It remains to be seen if the Mets would be willing to go big on Pete Alonso after making a record-setting splash on Juan Soto. However, with rivals Yankees lurking, Cohen might give Scott Boras (Alonso's agent) what he wants.