Pete Alonso flexible but Yankees signal separate plan in place

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LAS VEGAS — Pete Alonso has shown he is willing to adjust as he enters free agency again, but the Yankees appear prepared to move in another direction at first base. Agent Scott Boras confirmed Wednesday at the GM Meetings that Alonso is open to handling designated hitter duties, a shift that expands his appeal to teams searching for more power.

“I think Pete at this point in his career, he’s about winning, no doubt,” Boras said in Las Vegas. “Had that question a lot. There’s no doubt that Pete’s pursuers are prime to pay the power piper. Pete picked a perfect period to play preeminently at really a primary position. A playoff-parched plethora will pounce to participate in the polar plunge.”

The Yankees have Alonso on their radar, but their long-term planning points elsewhere. General manager Brian Cashman delivered a clear message about the position for 2026 and beyond.

Market dynamics favor patient approach

MLB Trade Rumors projects Alonso to receive a four-year, $110 million contract. Boras will aim for more, and he used the GM Meetings to build interest. He described Alonso as an “elephant that goes out there every day” and “impenetrable” under New York pressure.

Several clubs could join the pursuit. The Red Sox, Giants, Rangers and Mariners are among the teams expected to explore the market. The Mets remain a possibility, though front office leader David Stearns has stressed run prevention as a priority. That approach could reduce their interest.

For the Yankees, the numbers point toward caution. Alonso will turn 31 in December. Defensive performance often declines sharply after that age. Stanton still holds the primary designated hitter role, and Aaron Judge will likely need more DH time as he ages. Adding another right-handed hitter who projects as a future designated hitter creates lineup congestion.

Yankees GM believes Ben Rice is ready for an everyday role after his breakout season.

“I view Ben Rice as having an everyday role in the big leagues for us next year,” Cashman said. “Right now the lane is first base. As of right now, he’s in our lineup and the more likely spot would be first base.”

Alonso’s defensive struggles create opening

Alonso’s openness to more DH work comes at a time when defensive numbers show clear concerns. The four-time All-Star posted minus-8 outs above average in 2025, which placed him in the eighth percentile across the league. His minus-9 defensive runs saved and minus-8 fielding run value added pressure to reconsider his long-term spot at first base.

Even with those numbers, Alonso continued to hit at a high level. He finished the 2025 season batting .272 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. He led the Mets in batting average and ranked second in baseball in RBIs. His 170 hits and 41 doubles were both career highs.

“Pete picked a perfect period to play preeminently at a primary position,” Boras said in a display of his trademark style. “A playoff-parched plethora will pounce to participate in the polar plunge.”

Yankees chart different course with Ben Rice

Cashman pointed to Rice’s defensive range as one of the Yankees’ strongest assets entering 2026. The Yankees like that he can catch when needed. Austin Wells remains the main option behind the plate, but Rice’s presence gives the team depth if needed.

“He can catch as well. But I have Wells as our catcher and Rice at first,” Cashman said. “You never know how winds of change blow here every winter. More likely than not, I see Rice at first base.”

Rice made a strong impression last season. The 26-year-old hit .255 with 26 home runs and 65 RBIs in 138 games. He split time between first base, designated hitter and catching duties. His performance convinced the Yankees that he should anchor first base moving forward.

Financial considerations shape Yankees’ thinking

The Yankees’ preference for Rice over a pursuit of Alonso connects to payroll planning. Rice remains under team control through 2031 at a low salary. Alonso, meanwhile, opted out of his deal with the Mets and is expected to seek a seven-year contract.

The team has major priorities elsewhere, including Cody Bellinger’s free agency and their outfield decisions. Adding a high-priced first baseman does not align with their broader offseason strategy.

“We’re really proud of the season he just had,” Cashman said of Rice. “He’s always hit and he’s continued to back that up and he’s had a huge impact for us this year.”

Rice earned this trust through steady performance. He opened the season covering for injured designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton. That opportunity allowed him to earn more playing time, and he responded by proving his value at three positions. He made 46 starts at first base, 48 at designated hitter and 26 at catcher.

Rice forces his way into Yankees’ future

Cashman made it clear that Rice earned his place in the Yankees’ future. His growth at the plate and his ability to stay productive across multiple roles strengthened his case for a long-term spot.

“Obviously, he forced his way into the lineup on an everyday basis,” Cashman said. “And then forced his way into our future on an everyday basis.”

Rice’s rise gives the Yankees a cost-effective and reliable option at first base. His contact ability and improvement in key moments made him one of the Yankees’ most steady players in 2025. With him under contract for several years, the Yankees can direct more resources toward other needs.

The Yankees were in a similar position last winter. They discussed Alonso but chose Goldschmidt on a short-term agreement. This offseason, the plan appears even clearer. Rather than chase a high-priced free agent like Alonso, they intend to rely on the player they have developed.

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