The free-agent saga between first baseman Pete Alonso and the New York Mets has yet to come to an end. While the local hiker can still return to Queens, he is currently pursuing other options. Could President of Baseball Operations David Stearns trade Polar Bear for Detroit Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson?
Torkelson, the top overall pick in 2020 MLB Draft, coming off a rough season. He took a step forward in 2023 by publishing. However, he struggled to.
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Detroit’s 2025 alignment could have the 25-year-old as the odd man out for the Tigers. Gleyber Torres will take over at second base and Colt Keith will take over at first base. SI.com’s Pat Ragazzo reports The Mets are considering targeting Torkelson in a trade as a potential replacement for Alonso.
“Torkelson has four more years of team control and is the type of player who seems to fit the mold of David Stearns’ philosophy on player acquisition,” Ragazzo wrote. “Torkelson also brings solid defense at first base and allows (Mark) Vientos to continue to grow at third base. Time will tell, but it still looks like a reality between the Mets and Pete Alonso on the horizon.”
Slugger is not eligible for arbitration until 2026 and is estimated to earn $800,000 in 2025, For every spot. It would be an interesting avenue for METS to pursue if Alonso signs elsewhere. However, this type of move would create another unknown in the lineup after the Mets made a record investment in outfielder Juan Soto.
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