Blue Jays revert to bridesmaid status

The Pete Alonso saga is over, at least for now.

The Mets first baseman returned to Queens, reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal worth $54 million. Alonso will receive $30 million for 2025 and has an opt-out clause after the upcoming season. He will potentially have another chance at free agency during the 2025-26 offseason after his market failed to develop.

Alonso did not have to settle for such a contract. He turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension in 2023. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Mets also offered a three-year, $71 million deal, with Alonso opting for the larger payout for 2025.

The Mets were not the only team vying for Alonso's services. The Blue Jays were actively attempting to woo the slugger to Toronto, with Tim Healy from Newsday reporting that the two sides were "deep" into contract discussions. Insider Hector Gomez reported that the Blue Jays had a three-year offer on the table for Alonso before he returned to New York.

The Blue Jays' interest in, and failure to sign, top free agents is nothing new. While the Blue Jays were able to lure outfielder Anthony Santander to Toronto, other attempts have failed. Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki all signed elsewhere despite the Blue Jays' efforts.

Missing out on Alonso has not stopped their quest to add other top free agents. Gomez had also reported that the Blue Jays have a six-year offer out for third baseman Alex Bregman. That report coincides with Jon Heyman of the New York Post reporting that Bregman has a "lucrative" six-year deal with an opt-out after the first season, although the team offering is not high on his list. 

The Blue Jays are continuing to swing for the fences in free agency. Pete Alonso is just the latest miss.