After falling short in the World Series, the New York Yankees have a primary goal: re-signing Juan Soto. Given his recent performance and the current state of the team, securing Soto feels essential. However, Soto is a free agent, and his next destination is entirely his choice, leaving a strong possibility that he’s already played his last game in Yankee pinstripes.
If Soto decides to leave, GM Brian Cashman will need to find a solution. With Aaron Judge’s prime years dwindling, New York can’t afford to waste them. One backup option could be pursuing Pete Alonso, arguably the second-best hitter available in free agency.
Although Alonso would be a logical choice, there’s understandable hesitation around offering a significant contract to a 30-year-old first baseman coming off a down year. Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay shared his doubts on *The Michael Kay Show*, questioning the fit. “I respect Pete Alonso as a player, but why would the Yankees make that move? A right-handed hitter they’d have to sign for six or seven years at age 30—how does that align with the Yankees’ goals for left field? That shouldn’t be Plan B.”
With these concerns in mind, it may be wise for the Yankees to steer clear of a long-term deal for Alonso. Power-hitting first basemen tend to age poorly, and Yankee Stadium’s short right field generally benefits left-handed batters. Given Alonso’s perceived limitations, Kay even suggested a different Plan B—though it’s hard to see much support for his alternative.
Michael Kay suggests Yankees ignore Pete Alonso, pursue Nolan Arenado trade as potential Plan B
The Cardinals are making significant changes, and while Nolan Arenado does have a no-trade clause, I’ve spoken with him – he’s a true baseball guy who understands the game, its history, and what matters. I’d propose that the Cardinals cover $12-$15 million of the $31 million he’s owed over the next few years, and in return, we’d take him.
But really, Arenado as a backup plan? Maybe a couple of years ago, but now? It just doesn’t make sense. Arenado used to be one of the game’s elite players, but he’s no longer that level. Like Pete Alonso, he’s coming off a rough season, posting a .272/.325/.394 line with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs across 152 games. While he still hits for a respectable average and remains a solid defender, he’s not the Platinum Glove player he once was, and his power has significantly declined – those 16 home runs are almost 20 fewer than Alonso’s. His OPS+ was 101, which is 22 points lower than Alonso’s, and that’s despite Alonso’s home park being more pitcher-friendly.
Kay argued that Alonso isn’t a great fit for Yankee Stadium due to the park’s dimensions, but does Arenado really bring something Alonso doesn’t? Arenado isn’t a left-handed hitter, nor does he have an ideal fit for Yankee Stadium. His pull rate (44.2%) was actually higher than Alonso’s (41.6%), per Baseball Savant, with all of Arenado’s home runs going to left field. Alonso, meanwhile, used right field more effectively, especially in the postseason.
Baseball Savant also projected that Arenado would have hit only 12 home runs at Yankee Stadium this past season, four fewer than his season total of 16. In contrast, Alonso was expected to hit 36 home runs at Yankee Stadium, two more than his actual season total of 34.
While passing on Alonso might make sense, what’s the logic in targeting Arenado, who still has three years and $52 million left on his contract? While he’d come at a lower cost, the Cardinals aren’t likely to part with him for nothing, especially if they’re expected to absorb some of his salary. The Yankees would need to arrange a trade, and Arenado would have to agree to move to New York.
Frankly, there are many other players, through free agency or trade, who would be a better fit as a backup plan for the Yankees. Arenado may be a big name, and it’d be exciting to see him in pinstripes, but he likely wouldn’t elevate the team much at this stage. If the Yankees’ fallback isn’t Alonso, hopefully, it’s someone more promising than Arenado.
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