The New York Yankees aren’t planning to target Pete Alonso as payback for the Mets signing Juan Soto last winter, according to recent reporting.
Instead, the Yankees are more likely to stick with third-year first baseman Ben Rice and pursue other Mets free agents if they’re looking to make moves. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman suggests relievers like Edwin Diaz, Ryan Helsley, or submariner Tyler Rogers could be more realistic targets.
“Seeing the Yankees connected to Diaz, of all the upcoming Mets free agents, is a bit surprising, but let’s go through some,” Rotman wrote. “Pete Alonso is obviously great, but first base should realistically be Ben Rice’s spot in 2026 and beyond.”
“I absolutely understand the hesitancy when it comes to giving big money to relievers, considering their volatility, but Diaz is the best fit of any Mets free agent, including Alonso. It would also frustrate Mets fans to no end to see Diaz in pinstripes.”
The Yankees have several options at first base that don’t involve the Polar Bear.
Rice represents the internal solution. The team could also re-sign Cody Bellinger, who’s comfortable splitting time between first base and the outfield. With Paul Goldschmidt likely moving on in free agency, they’ll need depth at the position either way.
There’s another angle here. Brian Cashman and the front office could add a catcher in free agency and move left-handed hitting Austin Wells to first base more permanently. That setup would create a potential timeshare between Rice and Wells at both positions if New York signs a utility catcher who’s stronger defensively than offensively.
The way I see it, the Yankees have enough flexibility to address first base and catcher without making a big splash for Alonso. They’re not looking to drop serious money just to spite a crosstown rival they face twice a year.
All things considered, revenge signings make for good headlines, but the Yankees seem more focused on building their roster strategically than settling old scores.
