Possible Seattle Mariners Free Agent Target Pete Alonso Declines Qualifying Offer

The All-Star slugger will be a free agent for the first time in his career after declining a $21.05 million offer from the New York Mets.

Teren Kowatsch | Nov 19, 2024

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso hits a single during Game 5 of a National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Oct. 18 at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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A possible Seattle Mariners target will officially be hitting the free agent market.

First baseman and four-time All-Star Pete Alonso declined his one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer from the New York Mets on Monday, making him available to sign with any team he chooses.

Pete Alonso is now OFFICIALLY a free agent

His Career Stats with the Mets

.249 BA
226 HR
586 RBI
.854 OPS

Is Pete Alonso a necessity to re sign?

If so, what would you offer for him to come back?
pic.twitter.com/xCZUB6EZdm
— NYM_News (@NYM_News) November 19, 2024

Alonso is arguably the best infielder available on the market, at least from an offensive standpoint.

The former Florida Gator has played six season for the Mets. He was drafted in the second round of the 2016 draft by New York City's National League representative and has built a reputation as one of the most prolific hitters in the league since making his debut in 2019.

Alonso is coming off his second-straight "down" year, but still has put up the power numbers that make him an enticing potential signing for the Mariners.

Alonso hit .262 in 2021 and .271 in 2022. He followed up those years with a .217 mark in 2023 and a .240 clip in 2024.

Alonso still hit 34 home runs and 88 RBIs to go with his .240 average last season. He had an amazing playoff run for New York en route to a National League Championship Appearance. In 13 games played in the postseason, Alonso hit .273 with four home runs and 10 RBIs. He had an OPS of .999,

PETE ALONSO!!!!!!!!!!!!! #POSTSEASON pic.twitter.com/LzgpxTWUzN
— MLB (@MLB) October 4, 2024

Seattle has been mentioned as a potential suitor for Alonso as far back as the trade deadline. But money could stand in the way of him making the cross-country trek to the Pacific Northwest.

Alonso has an estimated market value of six-years, $174 million ($29 million AAV) according to Spotrac. But recent reports have indicated that Alonso and his high-profile agent Scott Boras could be gunning for a deal closer to $250 million over seven years.

Mariners owner/chairman John Stanton has been outspoken about the Mariners not going after high-tier, big-money free agents. But recent comments from Seattle President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto have said that the team is looking for a first baseman to pair with Luke Raley.

Alonso would be the perfect match for Raley. Even when Alonso wouldn't be playing first base, he could slide into the designated hitter role. On days where he needs to play first and someone else needs to DH, Raley can move to the outfield and Alonso can take over at first. There's also no power lost in rotating between Alonso and Raley.

There also isn't the drop-off against left-handed pitching with Alonso that there is with Raley. Alonso averaged .237 against lefties vs. .241 against right-handed pitchers.

On the surface, Alonso is the perfect fit for Seattle's lineup. An everyday player with 35-plus home run power even during bad seasons. The issue is the cost.

Even if the Mariners don't end up shelling out the money for Alonso, negotiations can put them in the good graces of Boras.

Boras also represents current Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh, who is likely due for a big contract extension himself in the coming years.

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Published Nov 19, 2024