Padres should already start thinking about their future at 1B with Pete Alonso opting out

The Padres are officially set to face the Chicago Cubs in a best of three at Wrigley Field starting Tuesday. But it is never too early to look ahead at the offseason, as massive news broke at the conclusion of Sunday’s game which featured the New York Mets and Miami Marlins.

The Mets completed one of the biggest collapses we have seen in recent memory, as on June 12 they were 45-24, holding onto the league's best record. Fast forward to Sunday, they dropped the series finale to Miami, and were eliminated from playoff contention.

There was lots of drama leading up to this season for Pete Alonso and the Mets front office, as the two sides were unable to agree to a long-term contract. Instead, the two parties landed on a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first year.

Alonso logged his best OPS since his rookie year (.871), and what seemed clear to begin with officially became a reality after a brief with reporters.

“Playing for this organization, this city—they’ve continued to believe in me,” said Alonso. “I love playing here. There are some great guys in this clubhouse, some great people on the staff. Every single day, it’s been a pleasure coming to work and putting on orange and blue.”

Alonso was then hit with the follow-up question of if he was going to opt-out of his contract and test the waters in free agency, he replied with a “yes.” With the 30-year-old first baseman almost certainly leaving the Big Apple in search of a new long-term contract, should the Padres try to make a splash come winter and bring in Pete Alonso? Experts say no, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea, as both Luis Arráez and Ryan O’Hearn are set to hit the open market.

Imagine a core five of Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Alonso. This group would certainly give the Dodgers a run for their money in the NL West (I know we’ve discussed this before).

Alonso has already been linked to teams in free agency, such as the Seattle Mariners. But it would not be a surprise if the Padres were to find themselves as potential suitors. But for now, let's sit back, relax, and watch some postseason ball.

More San Diego Padres News & Updates