"Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a better player than Pete Alonso" - Mets sportscaster weighs potential trade with Blue Jays

Free agent first baseman Pete Alonso is getting a cold shoulder from several teams, who have reportedly pivoted to signing future free agent Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after the 2025 offseason. The Toronto Blue Jays star will be a free agent next offseason and even the Mets, who want to sign Alonso, are rumored to be in talks for a potential move with the Blue Jays for Guerrero Jr.

Mets sportscaster Evan Roberts sparked a potential Vladimir Guerrero Jr. trade by asserting that the Blue Jays slugger is better than Alonso. However, he did mention that the Blue Jays won't trade him since they want to re-sign him.

"The Blue Jays could be in the race. But if they fall out of it, then yes, they might entertain trades before the deadline," Roberts said Sunday on WFAN (25:30 onwards). "What would they ask for? Drew Gilbert, Brandon Sproat, Jett Williams, Ronny Mauricio, and Blade Tidwell. That’s a lot. What would I offer? Nolan McLean, Blade Tidwell, and maybe another mid-level prospect.

"But I wouldn’t go much higher. I respect Vlad’s talent—he’s better than Pete Alonso—but he’ll get a much bigger contract than Pete. That’s why I don’t think the Mets should overpay. If you’re giving up three top prospects for a one-year rental on Vlad, is it worth it? Probably not. And that’s why I don’t think the trade happens."

Years and not money is what holding up Pete Alonso's potential contract with Mets, per MLB Insider

Pete Alonso's contract negotiations with the Mets have hit a wall. While the Mets are ready to offer him the best AAV for a first baseman in the majors, Alonso reportedly wants more years on his deal than the three years Mets offered.

"While Alonso is looking for a long-term contract, the Mets have not been willing to offer the superstar slugger that," MLB Insider Robert Murray wrote. "The best solution for both sides would be a short-term, high average annual value contract that would allow Alonso to opt out after the first season."

In such a case, Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, could carry a suit followed by Blake Snell when he didn't get his desired contract. The southpaw opted out of his deal with the Giants after the first year and signed a five-year deal with the Dodgers this offseason.

But that would mean Pete Alonso should do well in 2025 or else suffer on a compromised deal.