Pete Alonso has been an absolute machine. The average (.346) and power (.677 slugging percentage) are undeniable. Most impressive, though, is the plate discipline. He has more walks than strikeouts — and has punched in just 15.2% of his plate appearances.
Tracking four bats the Blue Jays pursued this winter: Early 2025 results
Photo credit: © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
May 8, 2025, 08:00 EDTUpdated: May 8, 2025, 07:28 EDT
Trying to bounce back after a dismal 2024 campaign, the Blue Jays made a push to become a legitimate contender for the 2025 season. That meant chasing some of the biggest bats in free agency to fix a lineup that lacked power, eventually signing Anthony Santander to a five-year deal. The Jays were very aggressive this past winter in their pursuits, but struck out a lot more compared to what they landed in terms of interest versus actual signings.
Examining four bats the Blue Jays pursued this winter and how they are doing to start the 2025 season
The Blue Jays came up short on a few bats, but here are the four hitters they seriously targeted and how they are faring to start the 2025 season
Pete Alonso, 1B
Before the Blue Jays extended Vladimir Guerrero Jr., they were linked to Pete Alonso as a possible replacement/complement to the 2025 roster. Alonso, known for his raw power, hit 34 home runs in 2024 with the Mets while slashing .240/.329/.459. He launched 46 homers in 2023 and 40 in 2022, proving he’s one of the most consistent power hitters in the game. If Guerrero Jr. had moved on, Alonso would’ve been a natural fit to lead Toronto’s offence, although it was hard to see him ever leaving New York.
And the Mets weren’t about to lose him. They locked him up with a two-year, $54 million deal, which includes a player opt-out after this season.
So far, it looks like money well spent—Alonso has opened the season with a .328/.450/.635 slash line, nine home runs, and 34 RBIs, which currently leads the Major Leagues. He also leads the NL with 13 doubles and has suited up in every game for the Mets this season, producing an NL-leading 1.085 OPS and a 210 OPS+.
Most projections peg him for 27 to 31 home runs this season with a batting average in the .239–.260 range throughout a full season, which would still be a win if the Mets make a deep playoff run. Should he keep up this pace, he is due for an even bigger raise this winter on the open market.
Teoscar Hernández, RF
After a rough stint with the Mariners following the trae, Hernández bounced back with the Dodgers last season, hitting .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs in 136 games. It was a return to form that made teams—including the Blue Jays—take notice.
The Dodgers brought him back on a three-year, $66 million contract, and he’s picked up right where he left off.
Hernández is hitting .315/.333/.600 with nine home runs already while producing a .933 OPS with 34 RBIs (tying Pete Alonso for the league lead) and a 1.7 bWAR. While Hernández was on a solid run, he recently strained his adductor and landed on the IL.
Dave Roberts had a more encouraging update on Teoscar Hernández today, saying he could be back in as little as two weeks if he progresses well He said Hernández is already starting to feel better after suffering his groin strain the other night
Juan Soto, RF
Calling Juan Soto the crown jewel of free agency isn’t a stretch. The 26-year-old’s market was electric from the start, with the Yankees hoping to keep him after a World Series run in 2024. Soto had crushed 41 homers that year and hit .288/.419/.569 in the regular season. He posted similar numbers in 2023 with the Padres, even as the team underperformed.
Soto’s free agency didn’t drag out, and numerous teams were interested (including the Jays). The Mets landed him with a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract, making him the face of their future.
He’s off to a slower but still productive start in 2025, slashing .261/.385/.478 with nine doubles and seven home runs to the tune of a .863 OPS. If he keeps this pace, he should help carry the Mets into the postseason alongside Alonso.
Alex Bregman, 3B
Bregman became a top trade candidate after the Astros started tearing down their core, especially once they sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. Even with talk of Houston keeping Bregman, it was clear he was on his way out.
He hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs in 2024—solid numbers, though teams worried about how well his bat would age. The uncertainty led to a slower offseason for Bregman, but his track record still drew interest. Boston came out on top, signing him to a three-year, $120 million deal, which includes multiple opt-outs and deferred money. The Blue Jays were reportedly interested in Bregman, but further information this season came to light that the Jays never even made him an offer. He gets included just because of the rumours that swirled around this winter between the Jays and the former Astros slugger.
"The Blue Jays did make a strong offer to Alonso, just as they did Soto, but despite erroneous reports, they didn’t make a single offer to Bregman, let alone engage with him." "The Blue Jays offer was not only low, but was 75% deferred, which Burnes never took seriously."
Sunday Notebook: Players talk about today’s world of MLB free agency: ‘Could be great, could be miserable' usatoday.com/story/sports/m…
So far, it looks like a good bet—he’s hitting .327/.401/.612 with eight home runs and showing no signs of slowing down. He boasts a 1.013 OPS and a 181 OPS+ and ranks in the 96 percentile in squared-up percentage (36.5%) while not chasing many pitches. He ousted Rafael Devers from the hot corner spot and has been a big factor in the Red Sox’s early-season success.
Breaking News
- Blue Jays outright Yariel Rodriguez from 40-man roster
- Blue Jays draftee Chase Brunson ranks on MLB Pipeline’s recent top 100 draft list
- Former Blue Jay Will Robertson claimed off waivers by the Orioles
- Chatting with Blue Jays prospect Reece Wissinger ahead of his first pro season
- The Blue Jays shouldn’t hesitate to pay Kyle Tucker like a superstar