The New York Yankees and New York Mets sure have had an interconnected offseason so far.
It all stems from the Mets nabbing Juan Soto from the Yankees in free agency. Ever since, the Yankees have been in scramble mode, making more big moves than any other team to make up for the loss of a prodigious talent.
After they’d already landed Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger, the Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt on Saturday to their new first baseman. The seven-time All-Star is hoping to rediscover some old magic in the Bronx, but his signing could have bigger ramifications.
Now, as one MLB writer hinted Saturday, the Mets may have cleared a pathway to bringing back a superstar, thanks to the Goldschmidt signing.
Zach Pressnell of FanSided declared that the Yankees signing Goldschmidt made the Mets the “heavy favorites” to re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso, who has made four All-Star teams of his own in a Mets uniform.
“At this point in time, the Mets should be seen as very heavy favorites to land Alonso this winter,” Pressnell said. “Unless the Nationals or Mariners are willing to pony up close to $200 million, the Polar Bear will head back to Queens in the coming weeks.”
“That means the Mets come out of the Goldschmidt signing as the biggest winners. Even when the Yankees are bringing in their own players, they’re finding a way to benefit their cross-town rivals.”
Alonso is projected for a six-year, $174 million contract, per Spotrac’s Market Value tool. It’s a number that could go up or down depending on how the market for Alonso develops, but so far, there’s been no indication that any team is willing to approach that $200 million figure.
It’s hard to deny that the Yankees backing out of the first base market opens the door for the Mets to snag Alonso. But no deal is done until pen is put to paper.
More MLB: Mets predicted to lock up fan-favorite star pitcher with $75 million contract
