Pete Alonso Landing Spots: Pirates, Paul Skenes Among Top Fits

The baseball offseason always brings intrigue, but honestly, few stories feel as unpredictable as Pete Alonso’s search for a long-term home. Last year, he inked a short-term deal with the New York Mets. Now, the power-hitting first baseman wants a multi-year commitment, and several clubs seem interested.

Sure, the Red Sox and Phillies make sense if you’re thinking big-market teams. But the Pittsburgh Pirates as a possible suitor? That’s turned some heads. Could the 38-homer slugger finally be the spark the Steel City’s been missing?

Pete Alonso’s Next Contract: Market Value and Expectations

Alonso is drawing plenty of attention across MLB. MLB Trade Rumors projects his next deal at about four years and $110 million.

That number would blow past anything the Pirates have ever spent. Their biggest open-market signing so far? Francisco Liriano’s $39 million deal back in 2014. Alonso’s price tag makes that look tiny.

Why the Pirates Are Even in the Conversation

Honestly, Pittsburgh feels like a long shot. The front office has always leaned toward developing talent or making trades, not chasing big free agents.

But ESPN’s Jorge Castillo and Jeff Passan hint that things might be shifting. Passan reported the Pirates nearly made a big offer to Josh Naylor before he re-signed with Seattle for $92.5 million. That’s a sign they’re at least thinking about adding a real middle-of-the-order bat.

The Paul Skenes Factor

Paul Skenes has changed the equation. The 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner has quickly become one of the game’s most dominant pitchers.

Even with Skenes dealing, the Pirates’ offense just couldn’t back him up. Fans have noticed, and you get the feeling the front office has too. Adding a power bat seems like the next logical move.

Addressing the Offense Gap

Pittsburgh’s 2025 lineup struggled to keep up. Bryan Reynolds was steady, but the team finished near the bottom in home runs and slugging.

Alonso’s 38 homers last season could flip the script fast. It’s not just about his stats—his presence changes how pitchers attack everyone else, which could really help the younger hitters.

Potential Impact on the Pirates’ Future

Landing Alonso isn’t just about making a run in 2026. It would finally challenge the narrative that the Pirates are too small-market to spend with the big boys.

Fans and players would see Pittsburgh taking a shot—something that’s felt overdue.

Challenges and Considerations

Dropping $100 million-plus on one player isn’t easy. The Pirates would have to consider what that means for their budget and their ability to keep homegrown talent.

Still, the upside—on the field and off—might be tough to pass up.

Other Teams in the Mix

Alonso’s not short on options. Reports mention several other contenders:

• New York Mets – Familiar territory, loyal fans.
• Philadelphia Phillies – In the hunt, plenty of money.
• Boston Red Sox – They need power in the middle of the order.
• Cincinnati Reds – Young and hungry, want to win now.
• Baltimore Orioles – Built to last, but could use more pop.
• Toronto Blue Jays – Alonso would add serious punch to their lineup.

Why Pittsburgh Stands Out

Plenty of these clubs look fine on paper when it comes to market size or payroll, but Pittsburgh’s situation feels different. They’ve got a dominant ace and a fan base that’s honestly starving for something new.

This is a rare shot to make a bold move—something that could totally shift the franchise’s direction. Will they actually go for it? That’s the question that’ll say a lot about what the next decade looks like for the Pirates.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pete Alonso’s Top Landing Spots? MLB Insider Links Pirates for Paul Skenes Among Teams