MLB Rumors: Pete Alonso trade buzz
When the New York Mets decided to sell at the trade deadline, the popular consensus around the organization was that they would not be back in postseason contention until 2026.
As such, the Mets may be looking to trade star first baseman and slugger Pete Alonso.
Alonso will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, and the Mets will have some tough decisions to make. While it's uncertain what kind of deal he'll command, Jon Morosi of MLB Network predicted that there is a 50/50 chance Alonso is traded away.
Trading away Alonso would certainly signal a changing of the guard in New York. Alonso is one of their key pieces, and if he is traded, a rebuild seems likely.
The Mets finished the 2023 season with a record of 75-87, falling short of the postseason after winning over 100 games in 2022. Both Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander were traded away at the deadline.
The Mets were expected to be a clear postseason contender this past season, but things fell apart very quickly. Now, things are uncertain for the Mets.
Several teams could use an extra bat. A team like the Toronto Blue Jays or Seattle Mariners could come calling for Alonso's services.
MLB Rumors: Jordan Montgomery latest
Jordan Montgomery is going to be one of the most sought-after free agents this coming winter. The left-hander had a remarkable postseason run with the Texas Rangers and helped guide them to their first World Series title.
According to Jon Morosi, Montgomery already has teams calling for his services.
Morosi, who is currently covering the GM Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona revealed that the Boston Red Sox have spoken with Montgomery's agent, Scott Boras.
Montgomery would be a solid addition for the Red Sox, who are in desperate need of starting pitching. He went 10-11 during the regular season and posted a 3.20 ERA with the Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals.
The 30-year-old left-hander would certainly not be in unfamiliar territory if he signed in Boston. Montgomery came up to the Major Leagues with the New York Yankees and is quite familiar with the American League East.
Montgomery proved this postseason that he is capable of winning in big games, and Boston could truly use somebody that can give them a chance to win in the postseason should they qualify in 2024.
The Red Sox finished in last place in the American League East with a record of 78-84 in 2023, falling short of October for the fourth time in the last five years.
MLB Rumors: Blue Jays bats
The Toronto Blue Jays saw their season come to an abrupt end in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Minnesota Twins. The team could potentially use some bats this offseason.
Fortunately, there are two bats that are currently on their radar, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith. The Cincinnati Reds recently declined veteran slugger Joey Votto's club option, making him a free agent.
Another potential option could emerge in trade talks. Smith revealed that Votto's former Reds teammate, Eugenio Suarez, is somebody the Jays could target. Suarez is currently the starting third baseman for the Seattle Mariners.
With Matt Chapman a free agent, these two sluggers could be perfect fits in Toronto. Votto could serve as a designated hitter, or even play first base. This could give the Blue Jays the flexibility to move Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to third base.
Votto is a native of Toronto as well and would essentially be experiencing a homecoming.
Suarez could take over for Chapman at third base if the Blue Jays decide to acquire him.
All of this is pure speculation as of now, but Toronto will certainly be looking for ways to improve on the offensive side.
