"Second best power hitter behind Aaron Judge" - MLB analyst makes case for a $30,000,000 AAV Mets deal for 4x All-Star first baseman

By Krutik Jain

Modified Dec 11, 2024 06:36 GMT

MLB: New York Yankees at New York Mets - Source: Imagn — MLB analyst makes case for a $30,000,000 AAV Mets deal for 4x All-Star first baseman - Source: Imagn

Aaron Judge is an out-and-out incredible power hitter, so to second him is no mean fit. That's what MLB analyst Rich Ciancimino thinks of former Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who became a free agent this offseason.

In Tuesday's episode of The Mayor's Office with Sean Casey, Ciancimino made the case for Alonso to sign a deal that would pay him $30 million AAV.

"What if he took a one-year deal with the Astros and hit 60 home runs next year? He could absolutely do it, and I think the best fit for his statistical career would be playing in Houston," Ciancimino said (11:49 onwards). "It would also make for an incredibly exciting season if Soto went to the Mariners and Alonso went to the Yankees—the whole season would be wild.

"You have to consider that he’s arguably the second-best power hitter of his generation behind Aaron Judge. The only guy with more home runs than them over 162 games is literally nobody."

Casey asked Ciancimino if the Mets would give him a $30 million AAV deal, to which, the analyst replied:

"I mean, if you think he’s the best thing for your team, then give it to him. You’re already going all in if you’re giving Soto $760 million, right? And now, Heyman just said today that Alonso’s team told the Mets, ‘You guys are going to get the last offer; we’re bringing our best offer back to you.’

"So, it’s kind of the ball in the Mets' court when it all comes down to it. But again, if it’s too much money, then just—"

Mets GM David Stearns eyeing to re-sign Pete Alonso

Soon after Juan Soto's historic deal grabbed headlines, Manny Gomez of NJ Advance Media reported the Mets may not be able to sign Pete Alonso.

However, Mets GM David Stearns sounded confident about bringing their first baseman back.

"We’d love to bring Pete back," Stearns said, via Ben Krimmel of SNY. "Pete’s been a great Met. He’s had some enormous hits for us, and we’ll see where that goes."

Even though Soto's $51 million AAV would burn a big hole on the Mets payroll, a deep-pocketed owner like Steve Cohen might do so to counter the Dodgers and the Yankees.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Bhargav