Pete Alonso is not navigating through a calm sea. It is remarkable to observe an athlete of his stature still available in free agency. With spring training on the horizon, the MLB star is yet to align himself with a new team.
Recently, MLB insider Jim Duquette has altered the dialogue by decisively stating that the Toronto Blue Jays are no longer contenders for the first baseman’s services. Shortly after the Blue Jays finalized a substantial five-year agreement with outfielder Anthony Santander, speculation regarding Alonso’s potential transfer to Toronto emerged.
However, Duquette clarified on SNY’s Mets Hot Stove segment that the Blue Jays’ aspirations of including the ‘Polar Bear’ in their lineup have diminished. They are comparatively more concentrated on retaining Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and enhancing their offense through other channels.
“That’s out of the picture, I believe, with Toronto. They claim they’re going to focus on the offensive front, but it doesn’t appear they’ll be pursuing Pete Alonso. Another team that may have expressed interest in Pete is off the table,” Duquette remarked, as per Jon Vankin of Newsweek.
SNY’s Jim Duquette believes that the Blue Jays will NOT be signing Pete Alonso. pic.twitter.com/A07qmNyaPg
— Mets Batflip (@metsbatflip1) January 22, 2025
According to Duquette, the Mets may now be in a more advantageous position as they remain the primary franchise interested in re-signing Alonso. And if circumstances continue to unfold in the same manner, Alonso may settle for a lesser offer than anticipated.
Also Read: “Give Pete Alonso The Money” – Broadcaster Calls Out Steve Cohen And David Sterns For Favoring Young Players Over Alonso
Blue Jays Are In The Mix For Pete Alonso And More
While Alonso is still in the conversation, the Blue Jays could still make a strategic play. They’ve reignited their pursuit of high-profile talents this offseason. Although insiders remain uncertain if Toronto will successfully secure Alonso, their pursuit is still in progress.
After a turbulent beginning that saw them miss out on several leading pitchers, the Blue Jays made a significant move by signing former Orioles star Anthony Santander to a five-year contract worth $92.5 million. This addition is expected to boost their offensive capabilities, complementing their powerful lineup that features Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
.@Feinsand says the Blue Jays have expressed interest in free agents Pete Alonso and Jurickson Profar.#MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/Ch4QXzvfS3
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 21, 2025
As momentum grows from this agreement, insider Hector Gomez indicates that the Blue Jays are not done and are actively working to acquire either Alonso or Jurickson Profar, both of whom would certainly enhance Toronto’s roster.
Alonso emerges as a particularly appealing target. He boasts an impressive record of 226 home runs over six seasons. His consistent presence would provide the Blue Jays with a dependable hitting threat, thanks to his participation in 152 games in five of those seasons.
Image Source: Pete Alonso @ Instagram
