Report: Pete Alonso Decision Has Intriguing Impact on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The Pete Alonso decision to take the New York Mets' offer to return to Queens will have an intriguing impact on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. going forward. And we're not talking about the logjam at first base that could have resulted in had Alonso signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.

No, we're talking about the fact that Alonso has an opt-out after the 2025 season, which he will almost certainly employ, becoming a free agent again. But with word of the Mets' potential interest in signing Guerrero Jr., who could also be on the open market next season, there is some serious pressure on Toronto to get an extension done with the face of their franchise—quickly.

Vladdy has set a deadline of Feb. 17 to get an extension done—the day before the Jays hold their first full workout for pitchers and position players. That's just 11 days from now.

There had been some reports recently that Toronto was closing the gap in contract talks, but nothing imminent appears to be forthcoming.

Andrew Crane writes today in The New York Post that Guerrero would definitely be a target for the Mets next offseason:

If Alonso opts out of his deal, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns could decide to pursue Guerrero, who will only be 26 years old and falls in the category of player Stearns tends to chase with long-term deals, as the replacement.

Vladdy is expected to command at least $450 million on his next contract, which Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown he wouldn't flinch at.

The heat is on in a frigid February in Toronto.