Pete Alonso loves the Mets – it’s no secret. He previously revealed that if it were up to him, Alonso would probably like to retire with the team. But right now, chances are slim that the Mets will re-sign as they focus on Corbin Burnes and Juan Soto this free agency. So, where does that leave Pete Alonso? Most probably with an AL East rival – the Washington Nationals.   

Pete Alonso’s free agency is certainly shaping up to be intriguing. As a consistent power hitter in the Mets’ lineup for several seasons, Alonso has positioned himself to be one of the top targets for teams in need of a middle-of-the-order bat. For the Nationals, it might be a case of balancing their rebuilding efforts with the desire to add a star player at first base.   

Pete Alonso’s potential landing spot grows   

Both the Mets and Nationals are tied at +600 odds to sign Pete Alonso as seen in a post by MLB on Fox. The stats suggest that these teams are considered frontrunners to get the Polar Bear. The Mets could make a push to retain him, but only if they fail to secure Juan Soto. There are other players the Mets also want to sign, like Burnes and Willy Adames, but it is uncertain if they come as a priority to them. The Nationals, however, have not spent a massive amount on a player in recent years, so, their chances to contend seem thin. 

Since his debut in 2019, Pete Alonso has been one of the most powerful hitters in baseball, belting 226 home runs. Those numbers would certainly add some much-needed help to the Washington Nationals lineup. They had struggled to get consistent production from their first baseman last year; now, the question is: Can general manager Mike Rizzo make use of the financial resources at his disposal this offseason? And how aggressive will he be in his pursuit of talent? While the Nats may be co-favorites to sign Alonso, there is also a third baseman in the pool the team has eyes for.

The Nats eye for a third baseman  

The Washington Nationals are a rumored landing spot for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN. The addition of Bregman would instantly strengthen the Nats’ infield and provide a steady veteran presence. something the team has lacked during their rebuilding phase. While the 2024 numbers aren’t elite by Bregman standards, they still represent a steady, reliable hitter with a proven track record in postseason play.  

That’s something the Nationals could desperately use. At the same time, it’s worth noting that Bregman is coming off the final season of a lucrative five-year, $100 million deal with the Astros, earning $30.5 million in 2024 alone. The Nationals, however, have the financial flexibility to pursue big-ticket free agents, and with the franchise already rumored to be targeting several key players, Bregman could be one of their top priorities.  

 The Astros, of course, remain in the mix as Bregman’s ‘primary target’; the question for Washington is whether they will outbid Houston or convince Bregman that their long-term vision aligns with his career aspirations. If they can, Bregman would be a significant upgrade for the Nationals, both offensively and defensively.