The Toronto Blue Jays are likely to be one of the most active teams in free agency this winter. Whether it's Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, or other top free agents, Toronto is likely to be involved. There is one free agent that, while interesting, would pose a risk for the Blue Jays.
Pete Alonso, the New York Mets' first baseman, is a free agent for the second straight season. Toronto had interest in him before extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but could reignite said interest again this winter.
As Jorge Castillo of ESPN writes, the Blue Jays could have interest in Alonso again this winter. But, if they do wind up signing him, he'd slide into the designated hitter role, which would complicate things for George Springer.
Blue Jays would take on a huge risk in signing Pete Alonso
"This fit isn't clean, but the Blue Jays could lose the right-handed hitting Bo Bichette in free agency this winter, and Alonso could serve as the replacement." Castillo writes.
Losing Bichette would certainly open the need for a right-handed hitter, but the Blue Jays bringing in Alonso would mean that, with Guerrero at first base, Alonso would slide into the designated hitter role.
That would force Springer, who had a resurgent 2025 season while slotting into the lineup as the designated hitter, back into the outfield.
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Springer was banged up at the end of the year, and at 36 years old, likely is the Blue Jays designated hitter going forward.
Adding Alonso to this lineup, while a great power boost, would complicate things for the lineup. Improving the offense is important, but if Springer is forced back into the outfield, there's some extra risk that comes with that.
Toronto would be better off trying to sign Kyle Tucker, Bichette, or some other top outfielder than trying and sign Alonso and forcing Springer to a full-time outfield role.
It's too big a risk for Toronto to take in signing Alonso. While his offensive upside is appealing, the impact on Springer would be too risky for a Blue Jays team looking to make it back to the World Series.
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