MLB Rumors: Surprise Landing Spot For Pete Alonso?

The Washington Nationals have emerged as a surprising suitor for Pete Alonso, one of the top power hitters on this offseason’s free-agent market. 

Possessing prodigious power, Alonso has blasted 226 home runs over six seasons, including 80 over the past two years, while maintaining a career .249/.339/.514 slash line. 

Though Alonso’s OPS dipped to a career-low .788 in 2024, he remains one of the league’s most reliable run producers, making him an intriguing target for a Nationals team looking to accelerate its rebuild. 

ESPN’s annual survey of MLB executives highlighted Washington as a potential landing spot, with one respondent comparing a potential Alonso signing to the team’s transformative acquisition of Jayson Werth in 2010, calling him a “vibes/power guy” who could establish credibility for the franchise.

Would you rather sign Pete Alonso or Alex Bregman? pic.twitter.com/bsRxpINufH

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 20, 2024

For the Nationals, coming off a 71-91 season, Alonso would fill a glaring hole at first base, where their players combined for just 14 home runs in 2024, ranking near the bottom of the league in WAR. 

Alonso’s postseason pedigree—emphasized by a Wild Card series-clinching three-run homer this year—would also bring valuable experience and leadership to a young core led by Dylan Crews, CJ Abrams, and James Wood. 

While Alonso’s defensive limitations as a first baseman might give some teams pause, his offensive consistency and ability to anchor a lineup make him a natural fit for Washington’s ambitions. 

His projected contract of five years and $125 million matches up with reports of the Nationals’ willingness to make a splash in free agency.

Pete Alonso, Games Played:

2019: 161
2020: 57
2021: 152
2022: 160
2023: 154
2024: 162

That’s 24 games missed in his career. pic.twitter.com/i77JWbrHeJ

— Dan Bartels (@DanBartels2) November 17, 2024

Should the Nationals land Alonso, it would send a bold message to the rest of the NL East, signaling their intent to reestablish themselves as contenders. 

Much like Werth’s signing helped set the foundation for Washington’s ascent to a World Series title, Alonso could be the next cornerstone in their bid to regain relevance.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images