2024 is off to a good start for the Cubs. Should they need more offensive options at the trade deadline, is Pete Alonso still available?
With a 3-6 record, the New York Mets get off to a sluggish start in 2024. Though it’s early, future free agent first baseman Pete Alonso may become available on the trade market if they don’t make progress in the next few months. Should that occur, is it possible that the Chicago Cubs might want to hire him?
This combination has been brought up several times. According to Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, Alonso is the third-best possible trade chip in MLB for 2024. The Cubs were listed first among the four landing destinations he indicated on April 2. After Chicago’s strong start, FanSided’s Cody Williams suggested the following four-player deal to bring Alonso to Wrigley Field in order to reignite the excitement:
- Cubs receive: first baseman Pete Alonso
- Mets receive: left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks, outfielder Alexander Canario and infielder Michael Busch
Chicago’s big-league roster consists of 26 players, including Wicks and Busch. Busch is the starting first baseman for the team right now, with Wicks filling in occasionally. Canario, who is 23 years old, started the season in Triple-A. He is the 10th-best prospect for the Cubs according to MLB.com.
From his debut in 2019, Alonso has established himself as one of baseball’s top power hitters. He has hit more than 40 home runs in three different seasons. After earning $20.5 million this season, the Scott Boras client is scheduled to enter free agency in November, according to Spotrac.
Is Pete Alonso Really Needed by the Chicago Cubs Right Now?
The power potential of Alonso is evident. But given how the Cubs’ 2024 season has begun, is getting the right-handed slugger this summer a top priority? That’s uncertain as of right now.
Chicago is attempting to salvage something while staff star Justin Steele is sidelined. Wicks might be included in a deal, but it might not make sense for them to further deduct from the rotation based on how soon (or if) he returns to the mound. Particularly for an individual like as Alonso, who will probably test free agency in the coming months.
Then there is Busch, who has appeared in 32 plate appearances and has had a strong start. His line reads.296/.375/.481, with four runs scored, five RBI, and one home run. However, in 40 plate appearances, Alonso has battled to a.184/.225/.342 line with two home runs, three RBI, and five runs scored.
The 2024 National League Central Shaping Up Will Be Difficult
There are still two weeks left in the 2024 MLB regular season. Based on early results, though, the National League Central appears to have the potential to be a difficult division overall.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a lot of competition in the standings, despite their unexpected 8-2 start. The only division in baseball where every team has a record of at least.500 is the National League Central. Despite being in last place, the St. Louis Cardinals’ 5-5 record is only three games below Pittsburgh’s current lead.
It will become more apparent as the season goes on what the Cubs would require should they decide to become buyers at the trade deadline. In the event that Busch falters after a strong start and the Mets are selling, perhaps President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer will give Alonso another chance to win the game.
