Since he broke into the majors in 2019, Pete Alonso has been a fan favorite in New York. Alonso set the rookie home run record (53) earned National League Rookie of the Year honors, made four All-Star teams, belted 226 home runs and posted at least 4.0 bWAR in three of his five full seasons. Yet, Alonso tests the free-agent market for the first time. His market could depend on what happens with Juan Soto, especially considering the two New York teams’ interest in both Soto and Alonso. Well, add another team to the list, one from the American League West.
USA Today’s Gabe Lacques recently identified five potential landing spots for the first baseman. One intriguing option stands out: the Seattle Mariners. As Lacques notes, the Mariners could be a strong fit for Alonso, who is coming off a so-so season but a strong postseason performance. With the Mets facing a potentially busy offseason, Alonso’s future in Queens is uncertain, making the Mariners an interesting destination.
Surprise Contender Enters Mix for Pete Alonso
Lacques suggests the Mariners could be a good fit for Alonso, drawing parallels with the team’s 2004 signing of Richie Sexson. Like Sexson, Alonso is a power-hitting right-handed hitter entering his age-30 season. The Mariners’ pitching-rich, hitting-weak roster and disappointing offense in 2024 make Alonso’s bat an attractive addition. Despite concerns about T-Mobile Field’s pitcher-friendly reputation, Lacques believes Alonso’s impressive power could thrive in Seattle.
Seattle struggled to generate offense, tying for eighth in the AL with a .727 OPS. Their 71 RBI from the position ranked 11th. Following the mid-season departure of Ty France, the Mariners relied on a platoon of Luke Raley, Justin Turner and prospect Tyler Locklear. As the Mariners seek to bolster their lineup this offseason, Alonso emerges as a prime target, unless they plan to hand the reins to Locklear.
With the Mariners coming off consecutive postseason misses, general manager Jerry Dipoto faces pressure to deliver an impactful offseason move. Adding a reliable 30-home run hitter like Alonso could be just the spark the Seattle offense needs to reignite its postseason push.
Main Photo: © Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
