MLB insider speculates that SF Giants could target New York Mets slugger

Earlier this week, we looked at a couple of All-Stars who may not be a fit for the SF Giants. However, Jim Bowden of ESPN (subscription required) speculates that one name could be a target - Pete Alonso.

MLB insider speculates that SF Giants could target New York Mets slugger

Alonso and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays would fill a similar need for a lot of teams. However, the Blue Jays are seemingly not intent on selling either Guerroro Jr. or Bo Bichette quite yet.

However, the New York Mets could be open for business at the trade deadline. After a disappointing season in 2023, the Mets front office is treating this as a gap year. With a 26-35 record, there are no questions as to whether they could be a contender.

If and when the Mets do decide to sell, they will have several valuable chips. Perhaps, their most notable name that could become available is Alonso. The Mets power-hitting first baseman is a free agent at the end of the season, so he would strictly be a rental. And, with Scott Boras as his agent, there is a slim chance that he works out an extension before he hits free agency.

Bowden lists the Giants, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Minnesota Twins as potential landing spots for Alonso. It might be too early to cross a potential contender off of the list, but the Astros are off to a rough start with a 28-35 record while sitting in third place in the AL West.

On the other hand, the Yankees have struggling veteran bat Anthony Rizzo as first base. They may want to upgrade that position, but a move for Alonso would relegate Rizzo to a bench role. That is a tradeoff that they might be willing to make.

Of course, the Giants might not have an immediate need. LaMonte Wade Jr. was one of the best hitters in the league before he landed on the injured list. He is expected to be on the shelf for at least four weeks with a hamstring strain. In his place, Wilmer Flores will see the bulk of the playing time at first base and the Giants already have a DH in Jorge Soler.

There is no denying that Alonso would be an upgrade for just about every lineup. He is slashing .237/.309/.475 (128 OPS+) with 14 home runs, 31 RBI, and 35 runs in 262 plate appearances this season. The 29-year-old is expected to be a highly targeted name this summer and the rumors are just beginning.