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By Zach Pressnell
Contributing Sports Writer
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New York Mets free agent slugger Pete Alonso is drawing quite the crowd in free agency this winter.
Alonso has played the first six years of his big league career with the Mets. The slugger is averaging 43 home runs and 112 RBIs per 162 games played, including three 40-homer seasons so far.
He's projected to land a deal anywhere between $150 million and $200 million with plenty of teams showing interest in him.
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He's not expected to sign until after Juan Soto signs, but Soto is expected to sign in the coming days, so Alonso could follow shortly after.
Where will Alonso land in free agency?
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New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a threat to steal Alonso if the Mets successfully poach Soto from the Bronx. In that scenario, the Bronx Bombers could take some of the money that would have gone to Soto and use a fraction of it on Alonso, creating a power tandem with Aaron Judge.
The Yankees need a first baseman, have the money, and they're going to be aggressive with it. If the Yankees re-sign Soto, they're out on Alonso. If they don't they're definitely a team to watch.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners need offense in a big way. Specifically, the Mariners need to add infielders and they would probably prefer to do so in free agency rather than a trade.
They won't be able to compete in a straight-up bidding war with the Yankees or Mets, but the Mariners could make Alonso a much higher priority than the New York teams, who have all eyes on Soto. They might be willing to slightly overspend on what could be their top target.
New York Mets
The Mets are the favorites to land Alonso, whether they sign Soto or not. Many around baseball don't expect the Mets to be able to sign both Soto and Alonso, but they might not realize how deep Mets owner Steve Cohen's pockets truly are.
Alonso is a fan favorite in the Big Apple. New York would have to spend similar money to replace him either way, so the Mets would be better off just bringing him back.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are the dark horse team in this race. They have a solid young core of talent including multiple top prospects and first-round picks.
The Nationals have the chance to steal Alonso away from a division rival, which would make the signing even sweeter. A few years ago, Washington reportedly offered Soto a deal worth $440 million, so if they want Alonso, they have the ability to send him upwards of $150 million.
Final prediction: Alonso signs with the Mets for six years, $165 million ($27.5 AAV)
The Mets are going to have to pay more than the $120 million to $150 million that they would like to spend on Alonso, but they're going to bring him back.
Even if they sign Soto, which they seem favored to do, the Mets will be able to afford Alonso and it's a move they need to make.
They're saving money filling out the pitching staff, signing budget options like Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes, clearing the way to spend $165 million on Alonso soon after Soto signs.
More MLB: Where Will $700 Million Yankees Free Agent Juan Soto Sign In Coming Days?
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