The New York Yankees are exploring major free-agent additions to strengthen their lineup following the departure of Juan Soto to the New York Mets. One name prominently linked to the Yankees is Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, with The New York Post’s Peter Bottle reporting that both sides share mutual interest in a potential deal.
Bottle mentions that Alonso, a Tampa-area native, has already proven he can handle the pressures of New York while also potentially replacing Anthony Rizzo at first base. Alonso is coming off a season in which he hit .240 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs. His career high stands at 53 home runs and 131 RBIs, underscoring his offensive power.
In addition to Alonso, the Yankees are reportedly considering a trade for Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs, another power bat who could help fill the void left by Soto. Bottle speculates that the Yankees could pursue both Alonso and Bellinger, especially since both are represented by Scott Boras, Soto’s agent. The pursuit could hinge on how much the Cubs are willing to contribute financially in a trade.
Although New York has primarily focused on bolstering their pitching this offseason—signing Max Fried and trading for Devin Williams to upgrade their bullpen—they remain active in addressing offensive needs.
What Will Alonso’s Contract Look Like?
Alonso is considered one of the top free agents available, with MLBTradeRumors projecting he could land a five-year, $125 million deal. While his impressive home-run stats would traditionally command a deal closer to $200 million, today’s front offices prioritize defensive versatility and on-base percentage over sheer power numbers.
This has led to speculation that Alonso might sign a shorter-term deal with opt-outs similar to the situation with Cody Bellinger. Despite potentially earning less upfront, these structures could prove lucrative over time depending on performance and flexibility.
Yankees’ Recent Bullpen Upgrade
New York has already made a notable addition to their pitching staff, acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Yankees traded starting pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin to land Williams, a high-quality arm expected to make an immediate impact. General manager Brian Cashman praised Williams’ skill set, noting his strong fastball, devastating changeup, and ability to generate soft contact, ground balls, and strikeouts.
Cashman emphasized that Williams thrives under pressure, adding, “You can’t do that job if you’re afraid of the big stage.” Williams went 1-0 with a 1.25 ERA in 22 games last season while recording 14 saves, making him a vital addition to the Yankees’ bullpen.
With these moves and potential additions like Alonso or Bellinger on the table, the Yankees are shaping up to be active contenders this offseason, focused on improving both their pitching and offensive capabilities.
