ESPN: The New York Yankees sign a former rival slugger with 53 home runs in a facinating deal.
The New York Yankees might recruit a significant free agent to strengthen their roster.
Since losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets, the Yankees haven’t added anyone to their offensive lineup. However, Peter Bottle of The New York Post claims that Pete Alonso and the Yankees are both interested in closing a transaction.
“They think it’s mutual,” Bottle wrote, adding that the Yanks are also interested in Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. “Alonso is from the Tampa area and has shown that he can play in New York.”
Alonso would take Anthony Rizzo’s spot at first base and has spent his whole Major League Baseball career with the Mets. The slugger, who hit.240 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs in his final season with New York, would help the Yankees’ offense. His career best is 131 RBIs and 53 home homers.
Bottle claims that in addition to Alonso, the Yankees are also interested in trade for Cody Bellinger, a slugger for the Chicago Cubs, to take Juan Soto’s spot.
“Depending on how much the Cubs are willing to pay in a trade, the Yanks might pursue both Bellinger and Alonso, who are also represented by Soto’s agent Scott Boras,” Bottle wrote.
In the offseason, New York has concentrated on pitching, acquiring closer Devin Williams and signing Max Fried.
What Can We Expect from Alonso in Free Agency?
Among the best free agents available was Alonso.
Alonso was predicted by MLBTradeRumors to sign a five-year, $125 million contract in their annual Top 50 free agent predictions.
According to the report, “We discussed a variety of contracts for Alonso.” “He’s a flawed free agent who, given his garish counting stats, probably would have been a lock for $200MM+ 15 years ago. However, defensive utility and on-base percentage are more important to today’s front offices. There is a genuine chance that Alonso will be forced to accept a short-term agreement with opt-outs if he and Scott Boras go out looking for $200MM+.
“A five-year contract with a higher AAV than the one he rejected is what we’re going with. Additionally, there can be complicated alternatives or opt-outs threaded throughout. Technically, my projection puts Alonso “behind” his rumored extension offer, but only because we’re letting him play one less season. He may really win in the end if he earns more than $12 million after a five-year contract, which is definitely possible, or if he gets a player option or opt-out, the story said.
Alonso’s eventual agreement may be impacted by the unexpected lack of interest in him.
An All-Star Closer Joins the Yankees
By acquiring All-Star closer Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers, New York did strengthen its bullpen.
Williams was acquired by the Yankees in exchange for infield prospect Caleb Durbin and starting pitcher Nestor Cortes. According to Brian Cashman, general manager of New York, they are thrilled to have Williams join the bullpen.
“His calling card is a big fastball and a devastating changeup,” Cashman stated. “Swing and miss, ground balls, soft contact—and the consistency he’s been able to deliver for a long time.” In the end, there were probably other bids present besides us. He definitely doesn’t appear to be scared; if you’re scared of the huge stage, you can’t perform that job.
Cashman went on to say, “This arm is of excellent quality to go with the ‘pen.” “It’s difficult to find guys with Devin Williams’ size running around.”
Williams has 14 saves in 22 games and was 1-0 with a 1.25 ERA.
