"Where would Ben Rice play?"; "Please be right" - Fans divided as explosive rumors claim Pete Alonso closing in on a five-year Yankees deal

The free agency rumors have started to pick up with the offseason in full swing. One of the biggest free agents available in the market is Pete Alonso, who is rumored to be on his way to the New York Yankees.

The Seattle Mariners made one of the first big moves of the offseason by re-signing Josh Naylor on Sunday. With Naylor off the blocks, Alonso remains one of the most coveted first basemen in the free agency market.

In the aftermath of Naylor's deal with the Mariners, a report on X claimed the Yankees are finalizing a five-year deal with the former Mets slugger.

Fans reacted on X, with the Yankees faithful divided.

"Plz be right."

Cayden

@Cayden2870

@JLas43_ Plz be right

"Where would Ben Rice play?"

Mike #FireShaneBowen

@Dart2Nabers46

Where would Ben Rice play?

"Why???? Why would we spend big on an aging 1B to have Rizzo or Goldschmidt issue in a yr or two and stuck with that contract, we have Rice we should develop him defensively and keep a cheap 1B."

king_kagins 🇩🇴

@king_kagins

Why???? Why would we spend big on an aging 1B to have a rizzo or Goldschmidt issue in a yr or two and stuck with that contract, we have rice we should develop him defensively and keep a cheap 1B

"A team with no third baseman, a bad field ss an poor 2b and going to get a totem pole at 1B 5 years? That team is not winning in another 8 years at least. What a disaster Keshmem is."

roberto lerebours

@Robertinno53

A team with no third baseman, a bad field ss an poor 2b and going to get a totem pole at 1B 5 years? That team is not winning in another 8 years at least. What a disaster Keshmem is.

"I have no expectations for this off season. A little of me hope they get creative and go out the box but I’m not holding my breath."

Justin J. Lopez

@stellar_jl319

I have no expectations for this off season. A little of me hope they get creative and go out the box but I’m not holding my breath.

Former Mets slugger Pete Alonso could command long-term contract after strong 2025 season

Pete Alonso had a prolonged free agency period last offseason, which ended after he re-signed with the Mets. After smashing 38 home runs, 126 RBIs and an .871 OPS this year, the All-Star first baseman is expected to command a hefty sum.

Unlike last offseason, Alonso does not have a qualifying offer attached to him, making him an attractive option for several teams.

“Alonso has put himself in a superior position relative to last offseason, that much is clear,” a National League executive was quoted as saying by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. “To what extent is the more intriguing question.”

According to Feinsand, the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals are among the potential suitors for the All-Star slugger, apart from his former team.