The Toronto Blue Jays are once again facing a frustrating offseason after missing out on several high-profile targets. Their attempts to land Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Corbin Burnes have all fallen short, leaving the team to recalibrate and search for ways to improve their roster for 2025.
The departure of key players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, both potentially hitting the open market next offseason, could significantly impact the Blue Jays’ ability to contend in the near future. However, while Toronto is facing a tough road ahead, there may still be one key addition that could make a major difference in their quest to compete: Pete Alonso.
Pete Alonso: The Missing Piece for Blue Jays’ Power Struggles
Despite a rough year in 2024, where he posted a career-low 34 home runs and a slash line of .240/.329/.459/.788, Pete Alonso remains one of the most formidable power hitters in the game. Since debuting in 2019, Alonso has consistently hit 40+ home runs in three different seasons, including a historic 53-home run rookie campaign. His ability to change the game with one swing is exactly what the Blue Jays need as they look to add more power to their lineup.
Though Alonso’s performance has shown signs of decline in recent years, his power potential is still undeniable, and his postseason track record only enhances his appeal. In 54 postseason at-bats, Alonso has accumulated five home runs and a .429 on-base percentage, making him a serious threat when the games matter most.
Alonso’s Fit with the Blue Jays
The addition of Alonso to Toronto’s roster would immediately bolster their lineup, especially in terms of power. While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains the team’s biggest bat, adding Alonso could either shift Vladdy to third base or create a potent first-base/DH combination between the two sluggers.
The Blue Jays are sitting on enough financial resources to make a competitive offer for Alonso, especially after missing out on their bigger targets. While Alonso’s decline raises questions about a long-term deal, a short-term investment or reasonable extension could provide the Blue Jays with the offensive jolt they need.
Is Alonso the Solution?
If the Blue Jays can secure a postseason spot, Alonso’s presence in the lineup could be the difference-maker. The power-hitting first baseman offers a boost to a team struggling with consistency and a lack of firepower, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Guerrero Jr. and Bichette’s future with the team.
However, the question remains: Can the Blue Jays make a postseason run with Alonso alone? While his acquisition would significantly improve their chances, Toronto will need more than just one slugger to achieve sustained success. Alonso’s bounce-back potential could be critical, but the team will also need their pitching staff and other hitters to step up.
Conclusion
The Blue Jays may have missed out on some major free agent targets this offseason, but the signing of Pete Alonso could still bring them back into contention. If the team can land the Polar Bear, his power and experience could provide the offensive spark Toronto needs to make a deep postseason push. Whether he can rediscover his elite form or not, Alonso’s impact in the lineup behind Guerrero and Bichette would be substantial for the Blue Jays in 2025.