When the New York Mets signed outfielder Juan Soto to a $765 million contract, it was a major offseason splash. First base still has a void that needs to be filled by David Stearns, president of baseball operations. Will the team trade for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the Toronto Blue Jays, or will they re-sign Pete Alonso to keep Soto in the lineup?
The Mets seem to be the “most obvious fit” for Alonso given the state of the market. Many Mets supporters would probably be pleased to see the homegrown slugger remain in Queens. In contract discussions, Stearns and Co. may be cautious about bidding against themselves.
Alonso has apparently received an opt-out laden three-year, $90 million contract offer from New York thus far. There won’t be many suitable choices for the Mets to cover that vacancy at first base if talks break down and the Polar Bear signs with another team. How could the Jays be persuaded to send Guerrero to New York?
Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports shared a speculative trade proposal involving five players: the Mets would acquire first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., while the Blue Jays would receive infielder Ronny Mauricio, outfielder Ryan Clifford, and right-handed pitchers Tylor Megill and Blade Tidwell.
Riley pointed out that Megill might be added to Toronto’s major league squad right away. Due to a ruptured ACL, Mauricio missed the entire year of 2024; however, he may soon be healed enough to play in Major League Baseball. According to MLB.com, Clifford (fourth), Mauricio (sixth), and Tidwell (eighth) are all among the Mets’ top ten prospects.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Guerrero will receive $29.6 million in 2025, his final year of arbitration. In addition, the 25-year-old may demand at least $500 million in the next multi-year contract he signs.
