The New York Yankees aren’t expected to seek revenge from the New York Mets for signing Juan Soto last offseason by poaching the “Polar Bear,” fan-favorite Pete Alonso, in MLB free agency.
As FanSided’s Zachary Rotman writes, the Yankees are more likely to embrace third-year first baseman Ben Rice and pursue a different Mets free agent like relievers Edwin Diaz, Ryan Helsley, or submariner Tyler Rogers.
“Seeing the Yankees connected to Diaz, of all the upcoming Mets free agents, is a bit surprising, but let's go through some. Pete Alonso is obviously great, but first base should realistically be Ben Rice's spot in 2026 and beyond. Guys like Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers could make sense for their bullpen, but neither of those guys are close to as dominant as Diaz,” Rotman wrote.
“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.”
When it comes to first base, the Yankees could go in several directions that don’t involve Alonso.
While riding with Rice is an option, the team can also opt to re-sign Cody Bellinger, who’s split time between 1B and the outfield. Paul Goldschmidt is likely a goner in free agency, so depth at the position is needed.
Alternatively, Brian Cashman and Co. Could add a catcher in free agency to allow the left-handed hitting Austin Wells to move to 1B on a more permanent basis. Rice and Wells could play a time-share at both positions if New York signs a utility catcher who’s stronger behind the plate than with a bat in his hand.
The Yankees have plenty of options to address the two positions, but it appears that spiting the Mets with a big-money offer to Alonso is off the table for the time being. NYM has plenty of time to regret signing Soto. NYY doesn’t seem interested in investing in long-term money just to spite a crosstown rival they play two series against.