The Seattle Mariners are reportedly linked to free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, as noted by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. While Heyman clarifies that the Mariners are not actively pursuing Alonso, he suggests that the fit makes sense given the team's need for offensive power and a right-handed first baseman.
However, the financial aspect complicates matters significantly. The Mariners are said to have only $16-20 million available for the remainder of the year, while Alonso is seeking a contract that could exceed $30 million annually. Even a one-year 'pillow contract' appears financially unfeasible for the Mariners at this time.
Alonso, a prominent figure for the New York Mets, has been a standout player since his debut in 2019, amassing 226 home runs and earning accolades such as Rookie of the Year, four-time All-Star, and two-time Home Run Derby champion. His recent performance includes a .240 batting average, a .329 on-base percentage, 34 home runs, and 88 RBIs last season. Given these factors, it seems more likely that Alonso will return to the Mets, with the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants also being considered as potential destinations.