Mariners-Pete Alonso free agency prediction ignores Steve Cohen reality

The first full week in January is a time for much of America to shake off the rust and get back into the work mindset. After a hard year’s work, it’s nice to reward ourselves with some quality rest and relaxation. Problem is, it seems the Seattle Mariners’ front office has taken that quite literally through the first two months of this offseason.

While many Seattle baseball fans are heading back to work this week, they hope the same is true (and then some) for Jerry Dipoto and company. They have the same holes to fill as they did when the season ended, especially on the offensive side.

One name that would add instant relief to their lineup is free agent first baseman Pete Alonso. Once again, rumors are swirling that Seattle still has some hope in signing the four-time All-Star. The rumors stem from reports late last month that the New York Mets offered Alonso a three-year deal worth $90 million. This of course, presents an interesting scenario for the Mariners to swoop in on the two-time Home Run Derby champion.

Surely, Seattle is keenly aware of who they would be up against if it came down to a bidding war against Mets owner Steve Cohen. So when Trevor Plouffe of Jomboy Media predicted the Mariners would land Alonso on a three-year, $90 million deal, it just didn't click. Lest you think Cohen would shy away from this or not offer a bit more to convince Alonso, you could pick any number of his recent signings.

For example, the Mets owner was set to spend upwards of $800 million on free agents alone after the conclusion of the 2022 season. That number would’ve held up if Carlos Correa didn’t fail his second straight physical that winter.

Now, Cohen is armed with a team that finished two games shy of the World Series ... and with a guy named Juan Soto. When you think about sports owners who will do anything to win, he remains high atop that list.

The Mets could also be a team for Mariners fans to keep tabs on throughout the remainder of the offseason. If an Alonso deal doesn’t work out, there’s still a chance the Mariners link up with Cohen on a potential trade for a different corner infielder.

Pitchers and catchers get back to work a little over a month. Meanwhile, Seattle fans are still waiting for their front office to show some proof of work this offseason. Time will tell if a deal with the most sought-after first baseman in the game will come to fruition, but just know they will have to bid more than the Mets' reported initial offer.