Cardinals putting 2025 Silver Slugger on the block gives NY Mets Pete Alonso leverage

Pete Alonso wants the mega deal that keeps eluding him ever since he rejected the New York Mets' seven-year, $158 million extension offer in the summer of 2023. Like last year, the Mets probably want him back, but not at the years and money he's seeking.

However, this time around, David Stearns likely won't spend all winter staring down the Polar Bear, as the market is flush with alternatives, and recent rumors have it getting that much flusher.

The list of alternatives is long. There's Josh Naylor alongside Japanese imports Kazuma Okamoto and Munetaka Murakami. The Mets, or another team, could leverage Cody Bellinger's versatility and stick him at first. That's just for starters.

According to Jon Morosi, the St. Louis Cardinals are rumored to have a fire sale this winter, and that could put 2025 Silver Slugger winner Alec Burleson on the list of potential pivots as well.

Cardinals shopping Alec Burleson could give the Mets leverage over Pete Alonso, or an intriguing alternative

Burleson won the NL Silver Slugger by virtue of his play at first base as well as both outfield corners, but to be of interest to the Mets, first base would have to be his home. Not only are the Mets fully booked in the corner outfield spots, but Burleson is significantly better defensively at first than he is roaming the outfield.

With that said, he's an intriguing change of pace for Alonso for a few key reasons. The 26-year-old blossomed last year with a .290/.343/.459 line with 18 homers over 139 games. His contact-heavy, low strikeout (14.5% K-rate in 2025) would be a welcome change of pace in New York's lineup, but he still has some pop as well.

More importantly, he's an ascending player who, entering his age-27 season, is just now hitting arbitration versus Alonso, who wants big money and will be squarely in his decline phase for the majority of his contract if he lands what he's hoping for.

With that said, even if the Mets aren't all that interested in Burleson, his mere presence on the trade block helps their negotiating position with Alonso. Surely some team will find a cost-controlled bat to be preferable over one who will soon be exiting his prime.

First base becoming more and more of a buyer's market by the day is just one factor working against Alonso and his desires. Labor uncertainty and the threat of a lockout in 2027 could also stand in his way and keep him from getting what he wants.

What is for sure is that the Mets are in an even stronger position than they were a year ago regarding Alonso, and if he wants to make this another lengthy showdown, the club can easily pivot to an option like Burleson and be no worse for the wear.