Can the Blue Jays Really Afford to Sign Pete Alonso?

Pete Alonso's potential move to the Toronto Blue Jays sparks intense speculation. This episode of Locked On Mets dissects the rumors, offering a critical analysis of why fans shouldn't believe everything they hear.

Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Blue Jays' current payroll situation, luxury tax implications, and the team's priorities, casting doubt on their ability to sign both Alonso and Max Scherzer.

The podcast delves into the intricacies of Anthony Santander's contract with the Blue Jays, revealing significant deferred money and its impact on the team's financial flexibility.

Finkelstein explores the Mets' strategy in retaining free agents and the role of Scott Boras in the ongoing negotiations. He also touches on the Atlanta Braves' signing of Jurickson Profar and its implications for the Mets.

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[LockedOnMets]

Welcoming all the Blue Jays fans who simply clicked on the video based on the title who would like to let us know that the Jays have enough money to sign Pete!

Please take the time to listen to the video, and why Alonso to the Jays is both not close, and not likely to happen for more money than what's already on the table from the Mets.

[petercullen]

It's all conjecture, Ryan. You know it and most of us also know it. Thanks for the no BS reporting. You are one of the very few who actually speaks the truth.

[Chuck-Sam]

Hey Ryan, let’s be clear: David Stearns doesn’t let anything leak. Look at all the guys the Mets have signed or traded for—every move stays internal until it’s finalized. Us fans only hear about it after the deal is done, whether it’s a trade or a signing. That’s why Andy Martino’s so-called ‘reports’ are so annoying. It’s just noise at this point.

[romeoever]

Alonzo was offered 156 million a year ago and he didn’t take it so I don’t feel sorry for Pete.

[DaveOriginallyfromBrooklyn]

Ryan is absolutely brilliant. No one better. Should have 50-60k subs. I’d love to see him on radio.

[Focal_sports]

The jays have the money to get Pete so the title doesn’t make to much sense

[cforte]

I am a Jays fan and this is 100% a Boras tactic. The man is scum.

[Dub-rotk]

Toronto Blue Jays --> Rogers Sports & Media --> Rogers Cable. Very profitable. The Jays have more than enough money to handle the Cohen Tax.

[wilfredotorres]

Hi Ryan, the only leverage Pete has is there is no player in the Mets farm system aside from Vientos and the only other solution for the Mets is to trade for a first baseman otherwise the solution is to get a third base. I still think because the Mets haven't figured out yet what Pete wants right now the door is still open until someone pulls the trigger it's a cat-and-mouse game.

[eliworldwide]

This comment section is strange to say the least 😂 relax guys

[josephgallo]

I highly doubt blue jays care about the luxury tax the front office has said that they want to improve the team and win and with what’s left on the free agent market only way this blue jays team will be competitive is if they sign Alonso so I don’t think they would mind going over the tax if it means being competitive

[jamesreckling]

The one factor you fail to mention is that Atkins and Shapiro are under the gun to make the playoffs this year. They just pumped $400M into renovating the stadium.

[dashx]

Love your commentary Ryan. I’m here everyday. But, I have to disagree with the statement that Boras’s job is to “cave in.” We are all frustrated, but c’mon …. Like or hate Boras, he knows his job (and overall he’s been quite successful). He’s going to try to do what’s best for his client, whether fans like it or not.

[jasonmacleod]

Deferred salary benfits the player as much or more than the team, California teams and Toronto use it to lessen the tax burden on the player. If the player is paid that money when he is retired and living in a low tax state or country, they put more of that money in their jeans at the end of the day. Yes the Jays can afford signing just about anyone if they want, Rogers family/corporation is filthy rich, they are in the process of buying the 3rd largest communications company in Canada and are also buying out their partners in MLSE (Raptors, Leafs, TFC and more) ranked as the 10th largest sports property in the world. When they add in the Jays and Rogers centre, probably become a top 5 sports property in the world.

[DaveOriginallyfromBrooklyn]

Ryan I think mega are going with the kids. Stearns gets
Praised but Soto was all Cohen. Stearns likes to manage small market way. Why I don’t know. He has resources

[akakak]

Rogers spent like 300 million on stadium upgrades. Word is they’re willing to pay for a return on investment

[cchapman]

That is a silly question. The Jays are owned by Rogers Communications. They are extremely wealthy corporation which just offered Soto $70 plus Million and Ohtani $70 plus Million. They can play in any financial league period!!!!

[rickjason]

It is how much a billionaire is willing to pay?

[brucemarmy]

Cold as it was this past weekend, bunches of goal line fumbles and pic-6s in Divisional Playoff games. No sure bet on any given hike of the ball. The antics were pure comedy, until the tide turned from equal to a more one-sided foible drama.

[eemoreau]

Mets got to Step up for Pete Alonso ! Pete has done what he had to do, with what was given to him in the Lineup! For Pete & Mets Sakes, don’t let Pete walk! This is the right time for Pete with Juan Soto & the new additions! 🎉Let’s GO METS! Support The Polar Bear ! ! 🐻‍❄️ 🐻‍❄️ . FantasticoMets69…over 5 Decades a Loyal Mets fan & counting! 2025 is our year! 🎉