According to New York baseball insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees and Mets may not engage in a traditional trade deal, but there’s talk of a potential swap involving star sluggers Pete Alonso and Juan Soto. Heyman suggests that the Mets could sign Soto away from the Bronx, prompting the Yankees to pursue Alonso from Queens.
The reasoning behind this proposal is solid. While the Mets are content with Alonso and plan to re-sign him, they might explore signing Soto first, given his younger age and superior hitting abilities. If the Mets secure Soto, the Yankees would need to find a replacement, making Alonso a plausible target.
Signing both Alonso and Soto would be financially burdensome for the Mets, so Alonso could serve as a viable alternative for the Yankees. Although he lacks Soto’s discipline at the plate, Alonso is renowned for his power hitting.
Heyman, in the New York Post, suggests that while it’s more likely that both players will stay with their respective teams, the idea of them swapping shouldn’t be dismissed entirely.
Alonso, a three-time All-Star at 29 years old, is a solid option for the Yankees or any team in need of a top-tier slugger. He’s proven durable and productive throughout his MLB career, consistently hitting home runs and driving in runs.
Various projections suggest different contract scenarios for Alonso. One estimate from The Athletic suggests a seven-year extension worth $190 million, while Spotrac predicts an eight-year, $225 million deal.
On the other hand, Soto has been performing exceptionally well for the Yankees, leading the league in walks and on-base percentage. His projected salary is significantly higher than Alonso’s, with Spotrac estimating a 12-year, $408 million contract next winter.
Heyman speculates that the Yankees might offer Soto a record-breaking contract to keep him in New York, given his on-base prowess and connection with fans.