The Chicago Cubs fell short of expectations after an active 2024 offseason. However, they’re planning to be aggressive in free agency this winter, with the goal of winning the National League Central.
In discussing potential targets for the Cubs, Zach Pressnell of FanSided suggested that they should focus on signing Pete Alonso from the New York Mets rather than pursuing Juan Soto.
“Throughout the season, it was clear that the Cubs needed a power hitter and a reliable everyday first baseman. That’s why they were closely linked to Mets slugger Pete Alonso at the trade deadline,” Pressnell noted. “However, the Mets decided to hold onto Alonso, as they were performing too well to sell.”
Alonso, one of the top free agents, is expected to command a significant contract. He reportedly declined a seven-year, $158 million extension offer last summer, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Spotrac estimates Alonso will seek a six-year, $174 million deal in free agency.
“Teams like the Mets and Mariners are expected to be highly competitive in the race for Alonso. Given that the Mets will also aggressively pursue Juan Soto, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to afford both players,” Pressnell added.
Although Alonso is a premier player, it’s hard to see a team targeting Soto, including the Mets, prioritizing Alonso over him. While the Cubs have the financial means to compete with Soto’s other suitors, there’s little indication that he’s interested in joining Chicago. The Mets and Yankees remain the frontrunners for his acquisition.
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