An in-depth look at the Blue Jays pivot options this offseason – 1B Pete Alonso

As a power hitter, Alonso is prone to striking out – sitting right at the MLB average for his career with a 22.8% strikeout rate – but he is not as prolific as other power-type hitters on the market. He also provides a ton of pop in the lineup, ranking in the 84th percentile in batting run value last year, which would be considered a bit of a down year for the slugger, while also ranking in the 80th percentile or greater in hard-hit%, xSLG, barrel %, and bat speed.

Per Steamer, the first baseman is projected to produce 36 home runs, 98 RBIs, and a 125 wRC+. 

Alonso and the Blue Jays 

The former Mets slugger has only played first base with some small stints at the DH spot, so he’s not the most versatile player from a defensive standpoint. Based on his good health, productivity, and on-field presence, Alonso would be required at first base for Toronto. This would push Gurrerro Jr. to third base and or a rotation of each player between first base and designated hitter unless Alonso was to transition to a full-time DH role. Ideally, managing the infield load for both players would be beneficial, especially on an injury-generating turf field, but both players do have a solid track record of staying healthy so far in their careers.

The Blue Jays recently struck a deal in a three-team transaction, obtaining two-time Gold Glover second baseman Andres Gimenez. Toronto also gained right-handed pitcher Nick Sandlin in return for Spencer Horwitz and Nick Mitchell, with Horwitz being flipped to the Pittsburgh Pirates shortly after. The Jays’ second baseman’s concerns are now appeased, adding phenomenal defence to the right side of the infield while reducing some of the logjam that came at first base with Horwitz now no longer with the organization. With the left-handed batter still in the picture, he likely would have been sharing the first base/DH platoon with Guerrero that I mentioned above. 

At some point, the Jays will need to make a decision on Guerrero and his long-term future with the club. There is a scenario where the Jays can add Alonso and keep Guerrero but if the two sides think a deal is not in the cards, the former Met would be a good replacement for the Montreal-born slugger if he is either traded or tests free agent waters next winter. If both stay, Alonso and Guerrero Jr would be a perfect one-two punch in a very tough American League East but the front office would need to find the finances to make both deals happen. 

 MLB Trade Rumours has predicted a five-year, $125 million deal for the slugger which has him coming in at a $25 million AAV. 

Toronto must act quickly this winter, as teams will also try and rebound their lost signings toward another premier free agent with Alonso being one of the next players in line for a raise. Alonso offers confidence in big situations and within a big market environment. If Toronto is looking for a big bat and the club is not convinced about extending Guerrero past 2025 or wants to feature two of the biggest home run hitters in the game in the same lineup for years, then Alonso makes sense for this organization.