Despite their recent dominance in MLB, the New York Yankees are strongly looking to improve the quality of their squad. According to insider reports, Pete Alonso, is high on their priority list. At the moment, he is expected to might remain in New York but could yet change teams if the Mets decide to do a trade for the player across town.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic has hinted that the Yankees are the favourites to seal a deal for Alonso before the July 30 trade deadline. The Yankees are particular about improving quality on the right side of their infield. Historically, the Mets and Yankees have both shown interest in snapping up players who play in New York but for their crosstown rivals.
“Pete Alonso could yet be the biggest name that could make a switch before the deadline. A host of sides, notably the Astros, Mariners, Yankees and Twins are among the sides that have shown interest in the hitter. If the Mets do make a trade for Alonso, they will still make a move to sign him again this summer. They love the Polar Bear, and he loves New York,” Bowden wrote.
As per recent reports, rumors have also been making the rounds that the Yankees might consider a second stint for Luis Severino, a former Yankee who currently plays for the Mets. In contrast, the Mets are also eying a move for Juan Soto, in the event that he decides to leave the Yankees.
The Yankees’ current first base rotation, featuring Anthony Rizzo (.623 OPS) and DJ LeMahieu (.586 OPS), have been underwhelming this season, combining for only 26 RBIs in a position that is naturally known for strong hitters.
Why are the Yankees interested in signing Alonso?
Alonso will become a free agent after the 2024 campaign. As things stand, he is the Mets’ most valuable hitter and asset to trade with. The 29-year-old leads the way in his side, having recorded 14 home runs and 32 RBIs. To go with, he also has also recorded 132 OPS+. As it stands, the Mets are 28-36 and also in fourth place in the NL East. They are also 3.5 games behind in the NL Wild Card race, with six other teams above them.
Since the 2019 campaign where he made a name for himself, with a rookie record of 53 home runs, Alonso has seen his stock rise with the Queens. He has claimed a top 10 NL MVP twice in voting and has also recorded the most home runs in MLB in that period.
Bowden also mentioned that starting pitcher Luis Severino is another key trade asset for the Mets. ESPN previously disclosed that the Yankees could target Severino at the trade deadline after choosing to not sign him again last summer.
The battle for supremacy between the two New York teams continue to be exciting as both sides look to strengthen their ranks. The potential trades include the duo of Alonso and Severino and the outcome of any deal involving both players could be a big story ahead of the next campaign.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Alonzo is not coming here. Maybe Christian Walker from Arizona. Or, perhaps, Ben Rice or T.J. Rumfield from Triple -A.