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Source : (remove) : POWDER Magazine
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Cubs considered possible trade fit for $56 million Marlins Cy Young

Cubs Emerge as Potential Trade Destination for Star Slugger Pete Alonso

In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball's trade market, the Chicago Cubs have surfaced as a intriguing potential landing spot for New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. As the trade deadline approaches, speculation is rife about where the power-hitting All-Star might end up, and recent reports indicate that the Cubs could be a logical fit. This possibility stems from a combination of the Cubs' current roster needs, their competitive aspirations, and Alonso's own contract situation, which makes him a prime candidate for a midseason move.

Pete Alonso, affectionately known as the "Polar Bear" for his burly frame and ferocious hitting style, has been a cornerstone of the Mets' lineup since his debut in 2019. That year, he burst onto the scene by winning the National League Rookie of the Year award and smashing a rookie-record 53 home runs. His power has been a consistent force, with Alonso leading the majors in home runs over the past five seasons. However, with Alonso set to become a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, the Mets face a dilemma: trade him now for assets or risk losing him for nothing more than a compensatory draft pick. The Mets' front office, led by president of baseball operations David Stearns, has been noncommittal about long-term extensions, fueling trade rumors.

Enter the Chicago Cubs, a team in the midst of a rebuild that has shown signs of turning the corner. Under president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, the Cubs have been aggressive in recent offseasons, signing players like Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger to bolster their core. Yet, first base remains a position of uncertainty. Current options like Michael Busch, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, have shown promise but lack the proven, game-changing power that Alonso brings. Busch, a former top prospect, has hit well in limited action, but his .250 batting average and modest home run totals pale in comparison to Alonso's consistent 30-plus homer campaigns. The Cubs' offense, while improved, could use a middle-of-the-order thumper to complement stars like Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ.

Analysts point to several reasons why the Cubs make sense as a trade partner. Geographically and competitively, Chicago is in the National League Central, a division that has been winnable in recent years. The Cubs are hovering around .500 and could make a playoff push with the right additions. Alonso's addition would not only provide immediate offensive firepower but also serve as a bridge to the future. At 29 years old, he's in his prime, and the Cubs could potentially extend him long-term, securing a cornerstone for their lineup. Financially, the Cubs have the payroll flexibility to absorb Alonso's remaining salary and negotiate an extension. Unlike some teams burdened by luxury tax concerns, Chicago's ownership has demonstrated a willingness to spend when the team is competitive.

Trade discussions involving Alonso would likely require a significant package from the Cubs. The Mets, aiming to retool rather than rebuild entirely, would demand high-end prospects. Chicago's farm system is robust, featuring talents like outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has already made his MLB debut, and infielder Matt Shaw, a first-round pick known for his bat speed and defensive versatility. Pitching prospects such as Cade Horton, a hard-throwing right-hander, could also be in play. A hypothetical deal might involve a combination of these young players, perhaps sweetened with a major league piece like reliever Mark Leiter Jr. or outfielder Mike Tauchman. The Mets would be looking for immediate help in their rotation or bullpen, areas where the Cubs have depth.

Beyond the on-field fit, there's a narrative appeal to Alonso joining the Cubs. Wrigley Field, with its iconic ivy-covered walls and hitter-friendly dimensions, could be a paradise for a power hitter like Alonso. Imagine the Polar Bear launching moonshots into the bleachers on a sunny afternoon in the Friendly Confines. Cubs fans, starved for consistent contention since their 2016 World Series win, would embrace a player of Alonso's caliber. His charismatic personality, evidenced by his Home Run Derby victories in 2019 and 2021, would make him a fan favorite. Moreover, Alonso's leadership qualities—honed through the Mets' ups and downs—could mentor younger Cubs players like Nico Hoerner and Christopher Morel.

However, there are hurdles to any potential deal. The Mets might prefer to keep Alonso for a postseason run if they stay in contention. Currently, New York is battling in the crowded NL East, and Alonso's bat is crucial to their success. If the Mets falter, though, the trade winds could pick up. For the Cubs, the risk lies in Alonso's free agency. Trading assets for a half-season rental without an extension in place could backfire if he walks in the offseason. Hoyer has emphasized building sustainably, so any move would need to align with long-term goals.

Comparisons to past trades add context. Think of the 2021 deadline when the Cubs dealt away stars like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Báez during their sell-off. Now, roles reversed, Chicago could be the buyer acquiring a Rizzo-like figure in Alonso—both are power-hitting first basemen with New York ties. Rizzo, of course, was a beloved Cub before his trade to the Yankees, and Alonso could fill a similar emotional void.

League-wide interest in Alonso is high, with teams like the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, and even the San Diego Padres mentioned as suitors. The Mariners need offensive punch, the Astros seek to bolster their lineup amid injuries, and the Padres have a history of bold moves. Yet, the Cubs' combination of prospect capital and competitive timeline sets them apart. Insider reports from sources like ESPN's Jeff Passan and The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal have highlighted Chicago as a "dark horse" in the Alonso sweepstakes, noting Hoyer's proactive approach.

As the July 30 trade deadline nears, all eyes will be on both clubs. For the Mets, deciding Alonso's fate could define their season and beyond. For the Cubs, landing him could accelerate their return to prominence. Whether this rumor materializes into a blockbuster deal remains to be seen, but the fit is undeniable. Alonso's power, the Cubs' needs, and the mutual benefits create a compelling case. In the high-stakes world of MLB trades, sometimes the most unexpected matches yield the greatest results.

Expanding on Alonso's impact, it's worth delving into his statistical profile. Over his career, he's maintained a .250 batting average with an OPS north of .850, driven by his elite power and plate discipline. In 2023, despite a slight dip, he still clubbed 46 home runs, proving his consistency. Defensively, while not a Gold Glover, Alonso is serviceable at first base, with a strong arm and good instincts around the bag. For the Cubs, who ranked middle-of-the-pack in home runs last season, Alonso could elevate them into the top tier offensively.

The Cubs' front office has a track record of calculated risks. Hoyer's tenure has seen mixed results, but moves like signing Bellinger on a short-term deal paid dividends. Alonso could be a similar high-reward acquisition. Fan sentiment is another factor; Cubs supporters are vocal about wanting star power, and Alonso fits the bill. Social media buzz has already started, with mock trades and fan art imagining him in pinstripes.

Potential ripple effects include how this trade might affect the NL playoff race. If the Cubs acquire Alonso, they could challenge the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals more effectively in the Central. Conversely, the Mets gaining Cubs prospects could hasten their own rebuild. It's a chess match between front offices, with Alonso as the queen on the board.

In conclusion, while nothing is set in stone, the Cubs' consideration as a trade fit for Pete Alonso underscores the dynamic nature of baseball's trade season. It's a storyline ripe with potential drama, high stakes, and the promise of fireworks—both literal and figurative—at Wrigley Field. As developments unfold, this could be one of the summer's most talked-about deals. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The Sporting News Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/cubs-considered-possible-trade-fit-191813444.html ]