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MLB Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays Set for Midseason Splash? New York Mets’ Slugger on Trade Radar

Published 03/02/2024, 1:20 PM EST

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The Toronto Blue Jays have been eyeing the leading icons to add to the offensive rotation to bolster their strength, but they could only make a single significant addition! That is, the veteran Justin Turner signing with the Jays. Now, with each passing day, the team’s options are getting shrinker as recently their former third baseman, Matt Chapman, signed with the San Francisco Giants.

With a relatively incomplete offensive line, the team can barely add enough value to appear in the 2024 playoffs. In that case, will the team opt for a potential midseason deal with none other than Pete Alonso? Well, this can be a discussion.

 Is the team eyeing for a promising midseason deal?

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Seemingly, the Toronto Blue Jays’ most impactful addition will be the veteran Pete Alonso in the next season. Alonso, who is becoming the free agent in the 2025 midseason, will possibly search for the most fitting offers. On the other hand, his agent, Scott Boras, renowned for getting the best deal for his clients, will not make an exception for Alonso as well.

Now, given the longer list of significant pursuers of the ‘moon shooter’, the Jays can face a mammoth contender in the New York Mets. However, Alonso’s preference for the winning team can benefit the Jays if they can establish a promising record until the midseason.

The New York Mets, who reportedly can make a better monetary offer, may fall flat in front of the Jays, considering their competing capabilities on the field. So, the team can claim the final nod with their impressive on-field record. On the other hand, the team has been searching for a powerful lefty bopper for their three or four spots, and Alonso perfectly matches the criteria, considering his tremendous power to challenge the righties.

Earlier, the 29-year-old claimed the record for most home runs as a rookie by hitting a staggering 53 since his debut in 2019. Moreover, the last season saw him slashing. 217/.318/.504 with 46 dingers and 118 RBI in 568 AB. Thus, given his promising record, it can easily be forecasted that he will get a full-fledged opportunity while under the Jays’ roof.

Read More: Pete Alonso Speaks About His Mets Future, Long-Term Contract Uncertain Amidst Impending Free Agency

Parallelly, with the Jays losing the ray of hope, Matt Chapman’s signing the Giants with a short-term deal paves the way for a possible midseason deal.

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Chapman made heads turn by defying predictions

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the soon-to-be 31-year-old athlete would sign a six-year, $150 million contract. But, marking the forecast wrong, the four-time Gold Glove earner signed a three-year deal with the San Francisco Giants in exchange for $54 million with opt-out options. Earlier, the exceptional athlete hit .240/.330/.424 with the Blue Jays in the previous season, and the team was eyeing him for further extension.

Read More: New York Mets’ 2024 Already in Trouble? Kodai Senga Injury Setback and Pete Alonso Uncertainty Threaten Upcoming Season

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However, Chapman’s signing with the Giants turned the Jays’ hope into ashes. But looking at his opt-out option in the next year, the team will be weaving hopeful threads. Moreover, their acquisition of Alonso in a mid-season deal will definitely add an extra feather to Chapman’s hat if he considers his former team in the forthcoming season. 

 

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Written by:

Sayantika Roy

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Sayantika is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Post her experiences in Web Stories, Sayantika transitioned to a full-time MLB author, actively covering two prime events - 2023-24 Free Agency and 2024 Spring Training. Sayantika developed an interest in the realms of Major leagues when the two-way phenom, Shohei Ohtani, grabbed the world's attention with his staggering deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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