Alright, Major League Baseball fans, the countdown is on. With just a few short weeks remain until pitchers and catchers report for duty, signaling the dawn of a new MLB season.
The offseason clock is ticking down fast for team which is leaving only a narrow window to finalize their rosters.
As the dust settles on Thursday’s biggest news, rumors, and moves, some teams make bold last-minute plays while others shift gears. Let’s dive into what’s been making waves across the league.
Mets and Pete Alonso: A Breakup on the Horizon?
The New York Mets and their longtime first baseman, Pete Alonso, may be heading for a dramatic parting of ways.
According to the New York Post, the Mets extended a final offer to Alonso—three years for $68–70 million—but were met with rejection.
The team appears to have pivoted their focus elsewhere, signaling they may be ready to close the book on Alonso’s tenure unless something unexpected happens.
This could be the end of an era for Alonso, the 30-year-old slugger who’s been a cornerstone of the Mets’ offense since debuting in 2019.
His six seasons with the Mets have been nothing short of impressive—226 home runs, a career OPS+ of 134, and two Home Run Derby titles to his name.
Yet, as he approaches his 30th birthday, teams carefully weigh his future contributions. Alonso ranked as the 11th-best free agent this offseason.
Still, as CBS Sports notes, he doesn’t quite fall into the “generational talent” category of players like Albert Pujols or Miguel Cabrera—perhaps explaining the lukewarm market so far.
The Mets, meanwhile, appear to be moving on. They’ve inked veteran Jesse Winker to a one-year deal and are now shifting their focus to bolstering their bullpen, particularly targeting lefty Tanner Scott. The writing may be on the wall for Alonso in New York.
Blue Jays Enter the Alonso Sweepstakes
While the Mets may be stepping away, the Toronto Blue Jays reportedly keep their hat in the Alonso ring.
The potential addition of Alonso raises intriguing possibilities for Toronto, though it’s clear that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would remain entrenched at first base.
Alonso’s bat could provide a much-needed spark for a team at a crossroads after a disappointing season. But the Blue Jays have bigger fish to fry this offseason—namely, finalizing an extension with Guerrero himself.
Guerrero, a four-time All-Star at just 25 years old, has already set a self-imposed February 17 deadline for extension talks.
With free agency looming after 2025, the Blue Jays need to move quickly to secure their young star while also proving they have a competitive vision for the future. Guerrero’s .323/.396/.544 line and 6.2 WAR last season demonstrate just how crucial he is to Toronto’s success.
Adding to the intrigue, the Blue Jays are also in the running for Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, competing with the Dodgers and Padres for his services.
Whether they land Sasaki or not, Toronto’s next steps could shape their franchise trajectory for years to come.
Padres Shore Up Catcher Depth
The San Diego Padres, meanwhile, made a smaller move on Thursday, signing veteran catcher Martín Maldonado according to The Athletic.
At 38 years old, Maldonado isn’t exactly an offensive powerhouse—he hit just .119 last season—but his defensive skills and ability to manage a pitching staff make him a solid depth piece.
With Luis Campusano set as the team’s starting catcher, Maldonado brings valuable experience to the Padres’ bench as they prepare for a pivotal 2025 MLB campaign.
The MLB Team’s Big Picture
The stakes continue to rise as teams scramble to make the final moves on their offseason plans.
Whether it’s the Mets potentially moving on from Pete Alonso, the Blue Jays making high-stakes decisions on both their roster and their future, or the Padres quietly addressing needs, every move now could ripple across the league as Opening Day looms. Strap in because this MLB offseason is not over yet.
