Yankees Seen as 'Possible Landing Spot' For Mets' Prized Slugger

The New York Yankees are seen as a "possible landing spot" for this New York Mets' prized slugger.
Jun 4, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

This deal would be a shock between two hated cross-town rivals.

MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic listed the New York Yankees as a possible landing spot at the trade deadline for New York Mets franchise cornerstone first baseman Pete Alonso.

Per Bowden:

"Pete Alonso is expected to be the biggest power bat traded at the deadline. The Astros, Mariners, Yankees, Giants, Cubs and Twins are possible landing spots for the three-time All-Star."

According to Bowden, it sounds like the Mets' still intend to make a serious run at re-signing Alonso, whose deal expires after the season, in free agency in an attempt to re-sign their homegrown star.

So, the play here for the Mets could be to net a top prospect or several in return for Alonso, who will hit the open market after the World Series.

The Yankees could potentially look to add a first baseman at the trade deadline due to immense struggles from Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu (Who made his season debut in late-May) this season.

Alonso, whose home run totals are bit down this year (14 homers in 64 games), has slugged more long balls than any other hitter in the league since making his major league debut in 2019. Add him into a lineup that already features Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, and the sky could be the limit in terms of how many homers the polar bear would hit with that type of protection.

But the Yankees and Mets have rarely traded with each other in the past due to their rivalry. A historic blockbuster trade of this magnitude would enrage Mets fans even if the Yankees sent a talented prospect or multiple in return. For that, it still looks unlikely that Alonso lands in the Bronx by July 30.


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Pat Ragazzo
PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the reporter, publisher, site manager and executive editor for Sports Illustrated's Mets and Yankees On SI websites. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has been seen on several major TV Network stations including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is frequently heard on ESPN New York FM 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM as a guest. Pat also serves as the Mets insider for the "Allow Me 2 Be Frank" podcast hosted by Frank "The Tank" Fleming of Barstool Sports. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @ragazzoreport.