Nationals Pursue Free Agent Pete Alonso

Pete Alonso, the star first baseman for the New York Mets, is a sought-after free agent this winter, with the Mets eager to re-sign him while facing competition from the New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, and potentially the Houston Astros. The Nationals are particularly interested in Alonso to address their power shortage, having hit only 135 home runs last season, the lowest in the National League. Recent projections suggest a contract of six years and up to $182 million for Alonso, which the Nationals could afford given their payroll flexibility. Meanwhile, the Astros, who need a new first baseman after releasing José Abreu, are also looking at Alonso following a failed pursuit of Nolan Arenado. The Mets, having already signed Juan Soto, might not prioritize Alonso, making him a prime target for the Nationals as they seek to enhance their young core. Alonso's potential move could significantly impact both teams' futures, especially for the rebuilding Nationals.