REPORT: Mariners To Land New York Mets Top Star

According to a prominent MLB insider and former general manager, the Seattle Mariners should strongly consider pursuing New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso in a significant trade move. However, acquiring Alonso might require them to part ways with one of their most promising young pitching prospects.

Despite starting the season with a 19-16 record, the Mariners are positioned well in the American League West. Fortunately, their main rivals, the Texas Rangers, have also experienced difficulties, holding just a slight lead over them in the division standings.

Following their absence from the playoffs last year, there is optimism that the Mariners can recapture their form from 2022 and pose a serious challenge to teams like the Rangers and Houston Astros in the West. To achieve this, they need a formidable power hitter in the heart of their lineup who can intimidate opposing pitchers and provide protection for other batters.

Jim Bowden, an insider at The Athletic specializing in MLB, suggests that impending free agent Pete Alonso fits this bill and should be Seattle’s target before the trade deadline in July. Bowden believes that landing Alonso would address the Mariners’ most pressing need, significantly enhancing their chances of winning the AL West and competing strongly in the postseason.

Despite Alonso’s relatively low batting averages of .217 last season and .205 in 2024, he remains one of the premier power hitters in the league, having hit 40 and 46 home runs in the last two years.

• Pete Alonso stats (2024): .205 AVG, .293 SLG, .417 OBP, 8 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R

What would the Seattle Mariners have to give the New York Mets in a potential trade for Pete Alonso?

Pere Alonso’s impending free agency likely makes him a temporary addition to the Seattle Mariners for this season, but it doesn’t mean he’ll be easy to acquire. Many teams are expected to pursue him in July if the Mets decide to trade him, especially if they don’t see themselves contending for a playoff spot.

According to Bowden, trading first baseman Ty France along with Emerson Hancock, the sixth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, could be enough to seal the deal. Despite Hancock’s 4.75 ERA in his first six starts this season, he’s shown improvement in recent outings.

• Emerson Hancock stats (2024): 3-3, 4.75 ERA, 1.286 WHIP, 23 SO, 9 BB, 30.1 IP

Before moving up and starting three games last season, he was considered one of the top five prospects in Seattle’s system according to MLB.com. Given the Mets’ urgent requirement for skilled, youthful pitchers, it’s logical for them to consider him as a potential acquisition in a trade involving Pete Alonso.