NEW YORK — WFAN radio host Joe Benigno has set the baseball world buzzing after declaring it would be “out of your mind” to think the Yankees won’t pursue Mets slugger Pete Alonso in free agency this winter. His on-air comments have reignited speculation about Alonso’s future in New York and the possibility of one of the boldest cross-town shifts in years.
Benigno makes bold Yankees claim
Speaking on his WFAN show, Benigno made it clear that the Yankees’ need at first base could line up with Alonso’s availability. “The Yankees need a first baseman, and if you tell me they won’t go after Pete, you’re out of your mind,” he said. His statement put the Yankees squarely in the conversation as the Mets face growing questions about their willingness to commit to Alonso long-term.
The timing is significant. Alonso, 30, is headed into free agency after opting out of his two-year, $54 million deal with the Mets. He has produced another standout season, ranking second in RBIs and fourth in home runs in the National League. That level of production, combined with his power-hitting reputation, makes him one of the most coveted bats on the market.
Yankees’ current first base picture
The Yankees entered 2025 with Paul Goldschmidt as their primary first baseman after signing him to a one-year, $12.5 million deal. At 38, Goldschmidt is near the end of his career and has split time with rookie Ben Rice. Together they have posted a .278 batting average at the position, leading the Yankees’ infield. However, the duo has combined for a .728 OPS, well below Alonso’s .876 OPS.
The gap highlights why Alonso could be so appealing. His .276 average paired with power production would instantly upgrade a lineup that has relied heavily on Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton for home runs. With Goldschmidt’s short-term contract expiring, the Yankees may seek a long-term answer, and Alonso fits that description.
Comparing Alonso, Rice and Murakami
The Yankees have several possible paths at first base, each with its own risks and rewards. Alonso brings proven MLB production with multiple 40-homer seasons but would likely command a deal north of $200 million.
Ben Rice, still only 25, is under team control for years at a fraction of the cost, though his ceiling as an everyday slugger remains unproven.
Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, expected to be posted in the coming offseason, offers a tantalizing middle ground: elite left-handed power, youth, and international marketing appeal, though he could also require a nine-figure contract and carries the uncertainty of transitioning from NPB to MLB. The Yankees must weigh whether to invest heavily in Alonso, bet on Rice’s development, or take the gamble on Murakami as their long-term answer at first base.
Comparing Yankees’ first base options
| Player | 2025 Performance* | Contract/Financial Outlook | Risk/Reward Factor |
| Pete Alonso | .276 AVG, .876 OPS, 42 HR, 118 RBI | Expected $200M+ deal over 7–8 years | Proven MLB slugger, but expensive and high strikeout totals |
| Ben Rice | .262 AVG, .728 OPS, 14 HR, 49 RBI (rookie) | Under team control, league-minimum salary | Cheap, controllable, but ceiling as everyday starter uncertain |
| Munetaka Murakami | .291 AVG, .947 OPS, 38 HR, 104 RBI (NPB) | Likely $120M–$150M posting deal over 6 years | Elite lefty power, youth and marketing appeal, but untested in MLB |
*Stats updated through Sept. 24, 2025 (MLB/NPB combined context).
Mets’ handling of Alonso questioned
Benigno’s comments also criticized the Mets’ front office for failing to secure Alonso earlier. He took aim at president of baseball operations David Stearns and owner Steve Cohen for entertaining other names like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rather than finalizing a deal with their homegrown star.
“Do I want Pete back? Of course,” Benigno said, before mocking Stearns. “The boy genius, (Mets president of baseball operations David) Stearns, because let’s be honest, he’s smarter than everybody in the freaking room, doesn’t want him back. And the guy that I blame is the owner. I thought Stevie Cohen had a feel for the fan base.”
The slugger and his agent, Scott Boras, reportedly rejected earlier offers in the offseason, believing they were below his market value. That has fueled speculation that Alonso will test free agency and that the Mets may pivot elsewhere.
Possible replacements on Mets’ radar
Reports have linked the Mets to Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber as a potential replacement if Alonso departs. Sports insider Chris Monte noted that Cohen is “infatuated” with the idea of pairing Schwarber with Juan Soto.
“Sounds like Evan Roberts caught the same wind that I have talked about about a month ago. Mets are going to be all over Kyle Schwarber as a free agent,” Monte said. Schwarber has had a career year with 53 home runs, leading the National League.
But while Schwarber’s power numbers are impressive, he is limited to designated hitter duties, leaving the Mets without a natural first baseman if Alonso departs. That gap underscores the risk of allowing the “Polar Bear” to leave.
Alonso’s market value
Pete Alonso’s combination of age, power, and track record positions him as one of the top free agents this winter. Since debuting in 2019, he has consistently ranked among the league leaders in home runs. His ability to anchor a lineup is unmatched among available first basemen.
The Yankees, with deep financial resources, could easily afford to meet his demands. Their pursuit would likely drive up Alonso’s value, especially if other big-market clubs like the Cubs or Giants join the bidding. For fans, the possibility of Alonso moving across town adds an extra layer of intrigue to what already promises to be a competitive offseason.
A rivalry twist in New York
For the Mets, losing Alonso to the Yankees would be a crushing blow. Alonso has been one of their most recognizable stars and a fan favorite. Watching him don pinstripes would be painful for a fan base that has grown attached to his slugging power.
For the Yankees, signing Alonso would not only bolster their lineup but also send a message about their intent to remain aggressive in pursuit of championships. Bringing in one of the Mets’ cornerstone players would give them a psychological and marketing edge as well.
What Benigno’s bet means
Benigno’s prediction has amplified the offseason conversation in New York. His bet on the Yankees making a serious push for Alonso reflects both the team’s needs and their track record of chasing high-profile stars. While nothing is guaranteed, his statement has given fans of both teams plenty to debate.
As the offseason approaches, Alonso’s decision will dominate headlines. Whether he remains with the Mets or takes the shocking leap to the Yankees, the outcome will shape the future of New York baseball.
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