5 Reasons Why Pete Alonso Should Settle on the Blue Jays
Grant White
Host · Writer
Toronto Gives Alonso the Best Chance at Winning
The most important factor in signing with the Blue Jays is that it gives Pete Alonso the chance to win now.
As it stands, the Jays are a distant +5500 in World Series futures betting. Still, adding Alonso would likely cause those odds to drop substantially. Moreover, if Toronto successfully pursues Max Scherzer, we could see the Blue Jays emerge as a frontrunner in the American League.
At this point, Toronto is the ideal match for Alonso. He's a perfect fit for their lineup, will have a chance to compete for a playoff spot, and there aren't any other teams willing to match what the Blue Jays will pay him.
Settling in Toronto is the best thing Alonso could do.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Spring Training is Quickly Approaching
Nearly three months have passed since the Los Angeles Dodgers bought their second World Series since 1988. While most players are now gearing up to return to Spring Training, Pete Alonso is left mulling his options. It's time for the premier free agent to pick a destination, and he should settle on the Toronto Blue Jays.
Last year, we saw the perils of letting a contract negotiation stretch into the regular season. Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, coincidentally, who are both Scott Boras's clients, like Alonso, let their negotiations spill into the regular season. By the time they suited up, the season had already passed them by.
Alonso should be wary of making the same mistake. While hitters face a less daunting path getting up to game speed, any perceived downfall weakens Alonso's chance of opting out next year and potentially cashing in on a bigger payday.
The New York Mets Won't Pony Up
Part of Pete Alonso's apprehension in signing a deal relates to his inclination to re-up with the New York Mets. It's time to acknowledge that Mets won't pony up the dough that Alonso is requesting.
At this point, everybody knows that the Mets already went all-in with Juan Soto. Steve Cohen has the cash to pay Alonso what he's asking, but his other offseason moves suggest he's already found contingencies to replace Alonso in the lineup.
Immediately after signing Soto, the Mets' next move was bringing in first baseman Jared Young. More recently, they inked Jesse Winker as their designated hitter. Between those two moves, the writing is on the wall for Alonso in Queens.
The Los Angeles Angels Aren't It
Pete Alonso has been tied to the Blue Jays for the past few weeks, but his presumed arrival in Toronto has been de-railed by the emergence of the Los Angeles Angels.
The Halos emerged as a late contender to sign the hard-hitting first baseman. Hopefully, the discussion around signing with the Angels will be nothing more than a half-assed attempt by Boras to drive up the asking price for his client.
Signing in LA would be career suicide for Alonso. The Angels are the most beleaguered franchise of the past two decades. They've failed to capitalize on the Mike Trout era. No matter what moves they make, the Halos continue to falter. Alonso would see a steep decline in his metrics with their current roster composition, negatively impacting any future contract negotiations.
The Polar Bear Will Thrive Up North
Pete Alonso is in the prime of his career. Stacking him next to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gives him the best chance of making the most of his at-bats and potentially cashing in one more time before the end of his career.
For years, the Jays have tried to find someone compatible with Vladdy Jr. While several other productive players have come and gone, the Alonso and Guerrero Jr. connection would be one of the most dangerous in the league.
Additionally, Rogers Center is a more hitter-friendly park than his previous dwelling. The left field line in Toronto is shorter, and the Park Factors are significantly higher in terms of doubles and home runs. Alonso's stats will soar playing with the Blue Jays.
Toronto Gives Alonso the Best Chance at Winning
The most important factor in signing with the Blue Jays is that it gives Pete Alonso the chance to win now.
As it stands, the Jays are a distant +5500 in World Series futures betting. Still, adding Alonso would likely cause those odds to drop substantially. Moreover, if Toronto successfully pursues Max Scherzer, we could see the Blue Jays emerge as a frontrunner in the American League.
At this point, Toronto is the ideal match for Alonso. He's a perfect fit for their lineup, will have a chance to compete for a playoff spot, and there aren't any other teams willing to match what the Blue Jays will pay him.
Settling in Toronto is the best thing Alonso could do.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Spring Training is Quickly Approaching
Nearly three months have passed since the Los Angeles Dodgers bought their second World Series since 1988. While most players are now gearing up to return to Spring Training, Pete Alonso is left mulling his options. It's time for the premier free agent to pick a destination, and he should settle on the Toronto Blue Jays.
Last year, we saw the perils of letting a contract negotiation stretch into the regular season. Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, coincidentally, who are both Scott Boras's clients, like Alonso, let their negotiations spill into the regular season. By the time they suited up, the season had already passed them by.
Alonso should be wary of making the same mistake. While hitters face a less daunting path getting up to game speed, any perceived downfall weakens Alonso's chance of opting out next year and potentially cashing in on a bigger payday.
