MLB Insider: Pete Alonso Not on Yankees' Radar After Juan Soto's Mets Contract

Despite being in need of a hitter to replace the production lost from Juan Soto's decision to join the New York Mets, the New York Yankees don't seem inclined to pursue Pete Alonso in free agency.

Per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Alonso doesn't appear to be on the Yankees' radar as they seek additional help in their lineup for next season.

Soto left the Yankees after one season to join the Mets on a 15-year, $765 million contract, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The Yankees are still exploring several options on the free-agent and trade markets. Any marquee player who remains available is likely being discussed by the reigning AL champs.

Feinsand cited Alex Bregman, Max Fried and/or Christian Walker as potential free-agent targets, with Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger or Nolan Arenado touted as trade options.

New York's lack of interest in Alonso is somewhat surprising because the team does need a first baseman. Anthony Rizzo is a free agent after having his $17 million club option declined. The 35-year-old wasn't very effective last season with a .228/.301/.335 slash line in 92 games.

Alonso has the feeling of a free agent whose market may not be as robust as it once seemed. Even though he still brings tremendous power to any lineup, he had the lowest OPS of his career in 2024 (.788).

After posting a .261/.349/.535 slash line in his first four seasons, Alonso has hit .229/.324/.480 in 316 games since the start of the 2023 campaign.

When you combine Alonso's offensive regression with him being one of the worst defensive first baseman in MLB, there probably aren't going to be many teams eager to give him the $200 million deal he was reportedly seeking at one point last season.

Walker, who has won three straight Gold Glove awards at first base, has hit .255/.333/.487 over the past two seasons. His contract projections are around $60 million for three years. He is three years older than Alonso, but the fact he's had the best three-year run of his career over the past three seasons is an encouraging sign that he can hold his value going forward.

If Alonso's market gets to the point where he would be a bargain for someone, then it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Yankees get involved if they're still looking for a first baseman.