Chicago Cubs must now revisit talks with New York Mets
After Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a contract last night with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs could engage in trade talks with the Mets.
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After the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes ended last night, with the young star inking a 12-year, $325MM deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, there is an expectation that activity across Major League Baseball will pick up. For the Chicago Cubs, that means there are no more excuses. It's not the end of the world to not land one of these two stars destined for California, but with the holdup presumably over, the Cubs finally have the chance to swoop in both free agency and the trade market. One team they must check back in with is the New York Mets.
Not too long ago, it was reported that the Mets could be looking to unload if they don't land Yamamoto this winter. With that now a reality, how likely it is that they move on from Pete Alonso, a long-time subject of trade rumors, remains to be seen. That is why Jed Hoyer needs to be the first call to the Mets front office in the morning to see his availability.
The Cubs have already had contract-structure conversations with Rhys Hoskins, and the more the Cubs stalled, it seemed like they were waiting to determine if Hoskins is the best move that could be made for first base in 2024. You'd rather have a bat like Alonso's if you can swing it; he's hit 40+ HRs and driven in over 100 RBIs three times in his five-year career.
The Mets, of course, will want a haul for Alonso even if he is a one-year rental. However, one thing is sure now: The Mets have missed out on Yamamoto. They will not shop in the top-tier starting pitching market.
Initial expectation is Mets will not pursue high end starting pitching as a pivot from losing Yamamoto.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 22, 2023
The Mets were much more of a contender with Yamamoto in the rotation; now, it remains to be seen what direction they go. One thing is for sure: if the Cubs find out that Alonso is still not available, they must land the next best option in Rhys Hoskins. The Cubs and agent Scott Boras were reportedly not budging on Chicago possibly wanting one year and Boras wanting one year plus a player option for a second, so the Cubs may need to bite the bullet to land their guy. More will be revealed soon.
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