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Desperate for a Power Move, the Mets Eye Guerrero Jr. After Alonso Walks Away
The New York Mets are in scramble mode after failing to secure a contract extension with franchise slugger Pete Alonso. Despite offering him a seven-year, $160 million deal in mid-2023 and later a final three-year, $70 million offer, Alonso rejected both in hopes of landing a $200 million contract in free agency. With major teams like the Yankees, Astros, and Mariners backing off, Alonso’s market has cooled, but the Mets aren’t waiting around. Instead, they’ve shifted their focus to a bigger prize—Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Reports from SNY’s Andy Martino and ESPN’s Buster Olney reveal that the Mets have reached out to the Blue Jays about trading for Guerrero Jr., a player they view as the perfect replacement for Alonso. Guerrero Jr. had a dominant season, hitting .323 with 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and a .940 OPS. His offensive firepower would instantly fill the void Alonso is leaving behind. However, the Blue Jays are reportedly unwilling to move Guerrero Jr., even if they pursue Alonso, making the Mets’ pursuit increasingly complicated.
If the Mets can’t strike a trade deal, they risk entering a high-stakes bidding war in free agency next winter. Early projections suggest Guerrero Jr. could demand a $400–500 million contract, a massive investment even for a Mets team already carrying a projected $287 million payroll for 2025 (FanGraphs). To make matters worse, rivals like the Yankees and Red Sox are also expected to target Guerrero Jr., raising the pressure on the Mets to act quickly and decisively.
The Mets’ aggressive chase of Guerrero Jr. feels like a desperate Black Friday dash—high-risk, high-reward, and with no guarantees. After losing ground with Alonso, they need a superstar move to stay competitive and energize their fan base. But in today’s MLB, there are no discounts on elite talent. If the Mets want Guerrero Jr., they’ll need to pay top dollar or risk watching another star slip away.