Yankees Urged To Steal $174 Million Slugger From Mets After Juan Soto Bolts

The Juan Soto sweepstakes came to a screeching halt late Sunday night. Despite the New York Yankees reportedly offering a 16-year, $760 million contract, Soto bolted for the New York Mets and a 15-year, $765 million deal.

The Yankees are now left with a severely depleted lineup that would likely see DJ LaMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Trent Grisham in the starting nine if the season began today. There are some moves to be made, to say the least.

Jacob Mountz of FanSided recently urged the Yankees to take a page out of the Mets’ book. Mountz urged the Yankees to steal Pete Alonso from the Mets in the wake of Soto leaving the Bronx in favor of Queens. Spotrac projects Alonso to sign a six-year, $174 million deal this winter.

“The past two seasons saw Alonso’s batting average drop considerably, however, given his power, he is a definite must-sign for the Yankees, especially since his average can recover,” Mountz wrote. “Alonso also carries an exceptional postseason record. His .429 postseason on-base percentage trounces even Soto’s .389 and there isn’t a postseason series Alonso has played in where he didn’t hit a home run totaling five in four matchups across 54 at-bats. And at age 30, he offers plenty of upside. For the Yankees, Alonso is a perfect fit.”

The debate between paying Alonso nearly $200 million and paying free agent first baseman Christian Walker around $100 million has been ongoing this winter.

After losing out on Soto, the Yankees have money to go land Alonso and they should do it. Adding Alonso would give the team a great four-hitter behind Aaron Judge, while also giving New York solid defense at first base.

Alonso is still just 30 years old, so he shouldn’t begin a decline over the next few years. Not only would this be a good acquisition for the Bronx Bombers, but it would guarantee Alonso doesn’t join Soto in a Mets uniform in 2025.

More MLB: Absurd Contract Details Of Juan Soto’s $765 Million Deal With Mets