“San Francisco’s Curious Case: Should the Giants Swing for the Fences with Pete Alonso?”
The San Francisco Giants’ Pursuit of Pete Alonso: A Realistic Option?
As the Giants move forward with the signing of Willie Adams and retaining Matt Chapman, it appears they may be considering additions to their first base/DH combination. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Pete Alonso is a player on their radar, sparking interest in the potential of upgrading to this position.
The current situation with Lamont Wade Jr. has him likely to be the primary first baseman, with Volvo Goldschmidt potentially being a short-term signing as a bridge until Bryce Eldridge becomes the long-term answer. Adding Alonso would only alter the dynamic, potentially moving Wade to a part-time DH role.
Eldridge is viewed as the future solution at first base, and his combination with Alonso could form a strong pair, even if it means targeting these two positions for the next few years. However, there is also the possibility that Eldridge could be used as a trade chip to fill other needs or that Alonso may not remain with the Giants in the long term.
Alonso’s next contract may contain opt-out clauses, allowing him to re-enter the market as early as 2025-2026. This has led to concerns about his increasing home run approach raising questions about his overall offensive value.
Despite the concerns, Oracle Park may not be the best venue for Alonso to re-establish his value. He has been linked to multiple teams, including the Yankees, Astros, Rangers, and Nationals, as these teams seem to be more interested in his services.
Most executives believe that a reunion between Alonso and the Mets is inevitable, and there remains a considerable gap between the two sides in their current negotiations.
With both Adams and Alonso rejecting qualifying offers, the Giants would need to give up two draft picks and $1MM in international bonus pool money if they added Alonso to their roster. However, the Giants are willing to spend again, and roster resources estimate the team’s payroll through 2025 at around $167.1 million and the luxury tax at around $207.5 million, making it feasible to add Alonso.
In conclusion, the Giants’ pursuit of Pete Alonso is an interesting development, and his potential addition could certainly impact the team’s roster and dynamics. However, there are many factors to consider, including the potential for opt-out clauses and the interest of other teams in his services.
FAQ:
Q: Who is Pete Alonso?
A: Pete Alonso is a first baseman who has played for the New York Mets since 2019. He has been a consistent power hitter, posting a 121 wRC+ since the start of the 2023 season.
Q: Why is the Giants interested in Pete Alonso?
A: The Giants are interested in Alonso as a potential upgrade to their first base/DH combination. They believe he could provide a significant boost to their offense and form a strong pair with Bryce Eldridge.
Q: What is the current situation with Lamont Wade Jr.?
A: Wade Jr. is likely to be the primary first baseman, with Volvo Goldschmidt potentially being a short-term signing as a bridge until Bryce Eldridge becomes the long-term answer.
Q: Could Alonso re-enter the market in the future?
A: Yes, Alonso’s next contract may contain opt-out clauses, allowing him to re-enter the market as early as 2025-2026.
