Since making his debut again in 2019, Pete Alonso has been probably the greatest energy hitters in baseball. Over his six years within the bigs, he has hit 226 homers, which is second solely to Aaron Decide who has 232. Hitting residence runs isn’t the one influence Alonso has made on the plate. He’s slashed .249/.339/.514 with 586 RBIs, a 134 OPS+ and a wRC+ of 131.
With these offensive numbers, Alonso hit the free agent market anticipating to land a long-term contract. There have been even stories saying that he and his camp have been utilizing Prince Fielders‘ contract as a framework. Nevertheless, no groups are occupied with giving Alonso a long-term contract. The Mets, the crew he spent his total profession with, have seemingly moved on as a result of Alonso’s insane asking value. Thus killing any potential market he had.
As a result of restricted market, the power-hitting first baseman has rethought his contract calls for. He’s now extra open to taking a short-term contract. A contract with a better common annual worth and probably some opts out. These extra real looking calls for ought to have one crew , the Seattle Mariners. Alonso and the Mariners are excellent for one another.
Why Alonso Matches the Mariners
The Mariners are probably the most complicated groups in all of baseball. You’re by no means positive what you’re going to get out of them season after season. They will both win the AL West and make a run to the World Collection. Or they might crumble and be competing for the primary total decide. That is infuriating for anybody who’s a fan of the Mariners.
The explanation for such a wide range of outcomes is the way in which the season is constructed. They at the moment have probably the greatest rotations within the MLB. In 2024, the workers pitched to a 3.25 ERA, with 846 strikeouts to 165 walks, a WHIP of 0.999, and an ERA+ of 114. These numbers rank among the many greatest within the league. Nevertheless, the issue comes from their offense. The Mariners rank in the direction of the underside in most offense classes. The dearth of offense wastes all the good efficiency their starters put in. What’s the purpose of holding a crew to at least one or two runs in case your offense doesn’t rating something?
Alonso offers the Mariners an actual energy menace of their lineup, one thing they’ve been sorely missing. In 2024 they solely hit 185 residence runs and solely had one batter hit over 25 homers. Having a man like Alonso who ought to have the ability to hit 30+ homers a season for the subsequent few seasons. It will permit the Mariners to win the low-scoring video games they’ve been dropping. Getting that additional run or two will give them wins which were losses up to now.
What His Function on the Mariners Will Be
Whereas Alonso’s bat enormously improves the lineup, does he match the roster that’s at the moment constructive? Certain signing a participant like Alonso will make the crew higher, nevertheless, if he doesn’t match the roster development his influence will likely be a lot decrease. Fortunately for the Mariners Alonso completely matches this roster. Presently, they’ve Luke Raley slated to be the primary baseman in 2025. Somebody who had comparable numbers to Alonso, besides Alonso has hit 12 extra homers.
Now many will likely be fast to level out that Alonso isn’t the most effective defender. It’s been the principle critique following him round his total profession. With the way in which his protection is described you’d suppose it doesn’t matter concerning the defensive place, he’ll slide into the designated hitter slot. Nevertheless, for those who watch Alonso play day by day, these considerations are method overblown. Is he a gold glove winner or one thing who can win one, no. However he’s so much higher than individuals give him credit score for. His capability to scoop balls on dangerous throws has prevented many errors.
Alonso can even present safety within the Mariners lineup. He’ll most certainly be positioned within the clean-up spot within the order behind Cal Raleigh and in entrance of Randy Arozarena. Thus making the lineup deeper. With a hitter like Alonso within the coronary heart of the order, it can permit guys like Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez to get higher pitches to hit. Presumably proving their numbers, and making everybody round him higher. If the Mariners don’t wish to waste a possibility to compete, then signing Alonso is a should.
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