AL Contender Named ‘Surprise Landing Spot’ in Pete Alonso Sweepstakes

First baseman Pete Alonso reached free agency this winter as one of the top players at his position. However, one can assume his first trip to the open market hasn’t gone as expected. Could the longtime New York Mets homegrown slugger head across the country to join the Seattle Mariners?

It can be argued that the Mets need Alonso in their lineup more than any other team. New York has a huge hole at first base since the homegrown slugger hit free agency. His 226 home runs already rank third in franchise history. While it’s still possible for the Polar Bear to stay in Queens, there’s a greater chance than ever before that he’ll land elsewhere.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer has named the Mets and San Francisco Giants as Alonso’s likeliest destinations. However, he’s also named the Mariners as a surprise landing spot.

“As far as team need is concerned, nothing about Seattle wanting Alonso would be surprising in the slightest,” Rymer wrote. “Save for signing 37-year-old Donovan Solano, the M’s have done absolutely nothing this offseason to address the fact that they had one of the most anemic offenses in the majors last season, their elite starting rotation missing the playoffs because of it.

“What would be surprising is if the Mariners found the money to make it happen, considering they are constantly acting like they can’t afford to rub two nickels together and have to hope and pray they can budget their way to a .540 winning percentage in any given season.”

The Athletic’s Tim Britton projected Alonso to land a five-year, $140 million contract this winter. But at this point in the offseason, the right-handed slugger might have to settle for less on a shorter deal that includes multiple opt-outs.

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