Whether Mets fans like it or not, there are already Pete Alonso trade ideas floating around. Of course, it's not a given that it will be traded. The Mets are not committed sellers yet in the same way the White Sox trade candidates are lined up.
But with each passing day, the Mets' trade rumors grow, as do the chances of Alonso being traded.
Should the Mets trade Pete Alonso?
Whether or not the Mets trade Alonso may be the biggest question in baseball this summer.
In all likelihood, the answer to this question will be yes.
Let's take a look at why this is the best move for the Mets and what Alonso's trade package could look like if he is dealt before the trade deadline.
Why the Mets need to trade Alonso
The obvious reason to trade Alonso is that the Mets are miles away from contention. Of course, with the expanded MLB playoffs, the Mets aren't completely out of contention at the moment. But the team's horrific performance during the month of May has put them in trouble. Even if they can climb out of that hole, they will still find themselves in a crowded playoff race without much of a chance to make noise if they somehow make the playoffs.
Pete Alonso's contract situation is another reason the Mets should trade him. While Alonso will likely fall just short of landing one of the biggest MLB contracts ever, he is expected to receive a contract worth at least $200 million on the free agent market this winter.
With Scott Boras as his agent, Alonso will likely sign with the highest bidder, no matter how much he wants to stay in New York. It's not a guarantee that the Mets will be able to re-sign him, so it would be better to trade him now and get something for him than to lose Alonso and get nothing in return.
The only thing that could save him
At this point, the only reason not to trade Alonso is because they somehow managed to sign him to an extension before the deadline. That seems highly unlikely with Boras as his agent, especially since Alonso has already rejected an offer worth $158 million over seven years.
Unless the Mets make him an offer Alonso can't refuse, barring a 15-game winning streak that changes the story of New York's season, there is no scenario in which trading Alonso isn't the best move for the Mets.
Pete Alonso trade packages
The upside for the Mets is that they will have plenty of suitors, which leads to a large volume of Pete Alonso trade ideas to consider. Despite an extended slump earlier this season that caused a significant drop in his overall numbers, Alonso will likely be the best power hitter to be traded before the deadline. That should result in the Mets being able to get at least one quality prospect in a deal involving Alonso, and perhaps a combination of prospects.
Believe it or not, the Yankees are one team that could be interested in Alonso, who would be an upgrade over Anthony Rizzo. A combination of pitchers Brock Selvidge and Chase Hampton, outfielder Everson Pereira and infielder Ben Rice could also be viable trade chips going to the Mets. Keep in mind that the Mets also have pitchers and relievers who could also be dealt as part of a larger trade, which could result in a big return.
The Mariners are another team to keep an eye on since they have traded for the Mets in the past. Seattle needs a first baseman and is in a great position to make a serious playoff push this season. First base prospect Tyler Locklear, who was recently promoted due to Seattle's need at the position, would be a good starting point.
The Mariners also have prospects like outfielder Lazaro Montes and Colt Emerson who aren't particularly close to the major leagues but have major upside, helping the Mets bolster their farm system.
On top of the Yankees and Mariners, the Brewers and Twins are also competing for sub-par production from their first baseman this season. Both are also candidates to put pressure on Alonso this summer. Milwaukee's farm system, in particular, has a host of top-100 prospects that could allow them to put together a package for Alonso that would force the Mets to part ways with one of their biggest stars.
