forward Pete Alonso Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote that the Phillies re-signed with the Mets as a team that “signed in” in the first baseman free agent market. Instead of jumping elsewhere in the NL East, Alonso returned to Queens with a two-year 54mm trade, giving Alonso an option to quit after the 2025 season.
This is the first time that Phils’ interest in Alonso is revealed Bryce Harper Earlier this week, he dropped some tips as he discussed his willingness to eventually return to his old correct field position. “When Pete was still in the block, I kind of sat there and was like, “Hey, why not?” ,” Harper said. “When We talked about this and I just reiterated it (Philadelphia) and Scott (Boras) and I would be willing to move there if it could help us. I like to play first base. Very good. But if that helps us win, I’ll be back there [to the outfield]. ”
Despite Harper’s position, there is no indication that Phillies have made any serious push to Alonso or that their interests may be just due diligence. As a large market, free-spending team, Philes has the relative freedom to explore nearly any available free agent signing, and baseball business president Dave Dombrowski is no stranger to the Splash acquisition. If anything, it might be even more unusual if Philadelphia at least doesn’t consider Alonso, especially (as Harper pointed out) rolling up in February, and Alonso still has no signature.
Alonso’s hopes of reaching a profitable long-term contract are not resolved, while Alonso and Agent Scott Boras (also stands for Harper) pivot with short-term deals including opt-out clauses. The Blue Jays reportedly offered Alonso a three-year contract worth about 80-85mm, but Slugger won a shorter New York contract with a higher annual value.
Since Alonso eventually prefers to stay in Queens, it’s certain that if the Phillies offer the same contract structure as the Mets, and a few dollars, he probably won’t jump to the division rival. Suppose, if Alonso went to Philadelphia, Harper would move into the right territory, which made the outfield on the battlefield crowded. and Kyle Schwarber Locked for every day DH, Alonso at first base, Harper hits every day in the right field Nick Castellanos and new signature Maximum Kepler Will be squeezed into a row on the left.
Even signing Alonso at a relatively bargaining price is not a bargaining of luxury taxes. The Phillies have predicted (through the lineup) that the 2025 tax number is about 307.5mm, exceeding the maximum fine layer of 301mm. The Phillies have paid taxes for each of the last three seasons, so a repeater penalty that exceeds the 301mm threshold will put Philadelphia at a 110% surcharge and spend more than 301mm per dollar.
The large number of contracts on the Phillies’ book could explain why the club had a relatively quiet winter as the Phillies made some mid-term signings (Kepler, Jordan Romano,,,,, Joe Ross) and then waved a brilliant trade Jesus Luzado From marlin. Still, after the 2024 playoff disappointment, there is expectation that Phils might be more aggressive, in terms of making a seductive trapping move, the final step in getting the roster to the top.
However, checking with Alonso now could be a move that really lays the groundwork next winter, assuming he triggers his opt-out clause. While the Phillies have a design for signing Schwarber for expansion, his departure will be more flexible in lineup and payroll, perhaps studying for Alonso for Faradelphia or another big bat.
Alonso tells HeymanNo regrets“About how his free agents are developing. He also noted that bigger concerns mask any concerns about the lingering nature of his free agent appointments, as Alonso oversees Tampa’s home repairs for most of his winters.
“Hurricane Helen wiped our house. It just treats things as perspective,” Alonso said.There seems to be no big deal after losing the house. Like, what else? OK, we have to wait a few more weeks. OK, what about that?“
