Pete Alonso has been one of baseball’s most prolific power hitters since his rookie season, but when compared to Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., his value falls short in ways that modern front offices can’t ignore. Alonso’s home run totals are impressive, but they haven’t translated to the same earning power as Soto or Guerrero—and a closer look at his profile reveals why.
The biggest factor working against Alonso is his age. He entered free agency at 30, an age when teams grow cautious about committing to sluggers long-term. In contrast, Soto hit the market at 26, which allowed him to secure a record-breaking $760 million deal. Guerrero, set to become a free agent at 27, could command a contract exceeding $500 million if he returns to MVP form. The difference is clear—teams pay premiums for players in their mid-20s, buying their prime years rather than risking a decline in their 30s. Pete Alonso simply arrived at the negotiating table too late to maximize his value.
Pete Alonso: A one-dimensional profile
Foul Territory posted a YouTube video in which CBS Sports’ Jim Bowden shares his view on the age factor that many teams look at before signing any deal. “Based on all of their algorithms and all of the analytics, the clubs are nervous about players that are 31 years old and especially power hitters.” He added, “If you get to the market at 25 26 27, you’re going to get the years and you’re going to get the dollars.”
Defensively, Pete Alonso provides little beyond his bat. A below-average first baseman, he offers no positional flexibility, which significantly lowers his overall value. Even Soto, who has struggled in the outfield, still plays a more demanding position, giving him an edge in roster construction. Guerrero, while not an elite defender, has at least improved at first base and provides more all-around potential. In an era where teams prioritize versatility, Alonso’s one-dimensional profile makes him a harder player to build around long-term.
Alonso’s bat is his ticket to the lineup, but his glove adds little. His defensive limitations at first base make him a one-dimensional asset. Soto, despite defensive struggles in the outfield, still holds more value simply by playing a position where replacement-level production is lower. Guerrero, while no Gold Glover, has at least shown defensive growth at first base, making him a more complete package.
Future flexibility and the Mets’ long-term vision
Marketability also plays a role in contract decisions, and Soto and Guerrero both hold an advantage. Soto’s elite plate discipline and postseason success make him one of baseball’s most bankable stars, while Guerrero’s combination of power and lineage—being the son of a Hall of Famer—adds to his appeal. Pete Alonso, though beloved in New York, doesn’t carry the same global recognition or star power. That matters when teams consider long-term investments.
The Mets ultimately chose a short-term deal with Alonso, keeping their payroll flexible for future opportunities. With Guerrero potentially available in free agency next year, the Mets could be positioning themselves to pursue a younger, more dynamic bat. While Alonso remains one of the best pure sluggers in baseball, his age, defensive limitations, and lack of versatility ensure he’ll never command the kind of contract Soto or Guerrero can.
In today’s MLB, raw power alone isn’t enough to secure a massive payday—teams want players who bring value in multiple ways. The Mets’ short-term approach with him signals a future focus on younger, more dynamic stars like Guerrero, and that’s where Pete Alonso falls short.
The post MLB Insider Reveals Why Pete Alonso Could Never Compete With Juan Soto & Vladimir Guerrero Jr. appeared first on EssentiallySports.
