Is Pete Alonso's Future in Limbo After Anthony Santander Signs with Blue Jays?

Big news struck the baseball world this week as Anthony Santander, one of the hottest free agent bats on the market, inked a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. While exciting for Blue Jays fans, this signing sends ripples through the league, particularly for the New York Mets and their negotiations with Pete Alonso. This move has removed Toronto as a possible landing spot for Alonso, further narrowing his free-agent options and adding layers to an offseason full of uncertainty.

For those unfamiliar with the nuances of this deal, the Blue Jays seemed to pull off a savvy contract. Santander, who is a historically powerful hitter, signed for a heavily deferred $70 million over five years — a bargain when you dig deeper into its yearly financial implications. What does this deal mean for the Blue Jays’ future, the financial playing field of MLB, and most importantly, Pete Alonso’s future? Let’s break it all down.

The Market Dynamics Shake Up

Earlier predictions pegged Santander to command over $100 million, with projections hovering around $110 million. Instead, deferrals in Toronto’s offer have brought his average annual value (AAV) for luxury tax purposes to around $14 million. This move signals a hyper-focused, tax-conscious Blue Jays management. While they’ve added a key offensive piece in Santander, the question becomes: will they still have room to pursue Pete Alonso?

The answer? Probably not. Reports from Toronto suggest that the team’s priorities are split between staying under certain tax thresholds and planning for future free agent battles, including potential bidding wars to retain stars like Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Adding another financial juggernaut like Alonso seems unlikely for a team treading budgetary waters so carefully, especially when they’ve demonstrated a preference for deferrals and value-driven deals.

What Does This Mean for Pete Alonso?

The fallout from Santander’s signing puts Pete Alonso in an even more precarious position. Once linked to Toronto as a viable suitor, Alonso now finds far fewer teams willing — or able — to spend big money for his services. When analyzing potential suitors like the Angels, Red Sox, Tigers, and Giants, none appear to fit the ideal profile. The Angels and Red Sox already have players locked at Alonso’s main positions, the Tigers are rumored to favor Alex Bregman instead, and the Giants have yet to signal any willingness to splurge on a contract Alonso might demand.

Increasingly, all roads seem to lead back to the Mets, but there’s a catch: the Mets don’t appear poised to budge on their terms. Their reported offer of three years for approximately $69-$70 million sends a clear message: they have a set price for Alonso and want him back, but only if it makes financial sense. While the number may initially look low, a closer comparison to Santander’s deal actually makes it appear quite fair within the current market climate.

Is Alonso’s Camp Running Out of Moves?

With fewer viable landing spots for the Mets’ slugger, Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, may be on thinner ice than they anticipated. The Mets seem happy to wait it out, confident that other teams won’t swoop in with an aggressive enough offer. This puts Alonso in a tight corner: either accept the Mets’ terms, or gamble on a one-year deal in hopes of re-entering free agency under better market conditions in 2025. But that comes with significant risk — what if his value decreases due to injury or a down year?

Adding to the challenge for Alonso’s camp is the reality of playing for certain franchises like the Blue Jays, who often struggle to attract major stars due to tax implications, customs logistics, and other geographic concerns. These factors make it harder for Alonso to leverage other teams against the Mets, as few appear willing to “overpay” in either salary or player-friendly contract terms just to lure him away.

Are the Mets Playing Chess?

The Mets’ front office, led by David Stearns, may be engaged in some strategic maneuvering here. By allowing rumors about Alonso’s potential departure to swirl — and by spotlighting all their “plan B” contingencies — the team has effectively shifted both public and internal expectations. Frustrated fans have been given fair warning about the possibility of a breakup, while Alonso and Boras have been subtly challenged to test their market value against reality.

In this high-stakes game of chess, the Mets appear to be calling their slugger’s bluff. They have the financial resources to exceed their offer if necessary, but they clearly believe they won’t need to. After all, which makes more sense for Alonso: chasing an unproven market or running it back with the Mets on a reasonable deal?

Where Will Pete Alonso Land?

For Pete Alonso, the options continue to shrink. After Santander’s deal, it’s hard to envision another team stepping up with a competitive bid, let alone guaranteed opt-outs or creative deferral structures. That leaves Alonso returning to the Mets on their terms as perhaps the most likely scenario. Whether that’s a heavily deferred long-term deal, a short-term “prove it” deal, or a one-year pact with no long-term strings, common sense suggests Alonso’s best fit is in Flushing.

In the meantime, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Mets are content to play the long game. Will Alonso and his agent cave as the offseason drags on, or will another team surprise us all with a blockbuster offer? For now, all eyes remain on the chessboard as this saga unfolds.