The Juan Soto sweepstakes have dominated offseason headlines, but New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso’s free agency decision remains a pivotal storyline with significant implications. In most offseasons, Alonso would be the centerpiece of league-shaping conversations. However, with Soto commanding attention, Alonso’s potential departure from the Mets is flying under the radar.
Alonso’s decision holds weight, especially if the Mets emerge victorious in the Soto sweepstakes. A return to New York is far from guaranteed, and ESPN’s David Schoenfield predicts a surprising outcome: Alonso signing a six-year, $159 million contract with the Washington Nationals, a division rival.
“They’re an incredibly young team, and after ranking next-to-last in the majors in home runs, the Nats need a power hitter,” Schoenfield wrote. “Alonso would make a big statement — similar to the Jayson Werth signing in 2011 — and provide a veteran presence to help the young hitters such as James Wood and Dylan Crews while filling the hole at first base.” Schoenfield also noted that Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, has a history of negotiating blockbuster deals with the Nationals’ ownership, the Lerner family.
While Alonso’s future remains uncertain, his decision could reshape the balance of power in the National League East for years to come.
The Washington Nationals may not be the first team linked to Pete Alonso, but they could be a surprisingly logical fit for the slugger. While the Nationals haven’t been prominent in Alonso rumors, ESPN’s David Schoenfield sees a potential match, even if his six-year, $159 million projection seems conservative. Given Alonso’s consistent power production and market demand, a deal closer to $180 million over six years—reflecting a $30 million average annual value—seems more realistic.
The Nationals’ interest would align with their rebuilding efforts. Poaching Alonso from a division rival like the Mets could be a bold move to accelerate their turnaround. Adding Alonso to a promising young core that includes prospects like James Wood and Dylan Crews could provide the necessary veteran leadership and offensive firepower to spark a resurgence.
Such a signing would not only boost Washington’s lineup but also send a strong message about the franchise’s commitment to returning to contention.
