MLB Rumors: Mets make 'final' offer to Pete Alonso, Blue Jays to restart Vlad Guerrero extension talks.

With less than a month left before pitchers and catchers report for duty, the Major League Baseball offseason is starting to wind down. This leaves the team with a few weeks left to finalize its roster. Below, CBS Sports rounds up Thursday's most notable news, rumors and moves all in one convenient spot.

mets Final offer for Alonso

Mets and longtime first baseman Pete Alonso Negotiations continued during the offseason about a possible reunion, but nothing has come of it yet. on Thursday The New York Post reported. The Mets made a “final” offer, and once it was rejected, they “started fiddling” with Alonso. The proposed deal is reported to be worth $68 million to $70 million over three years.

Hours before reporting, the Mets agreed to a one-year reunion with the veteran. Jessie Winker And now it has been reported that the focus will be on the bullpen. Especially a free agent left-handed pitcher. tanner scott.

Here's an indication that, unless something unexpected happens, the Mets believe Alonso's time with the ballclub is over.

Our Mike Axisa recently Whether a short-term transaction, such as the previously mentioned proposal, makes sense. Either for Alonso or the Mets (or some other team).

Alonso, 30, has spent his entire career with the Mets to date. In six seasons, he batted .249/.339/.514 (134 OPS+) with 226 home runs. His contributions are estimated to be worth 19.8 wins above replacement, according to Baseball Reference. Alonso is a four-time All-Star and two-time Home Run Derby champion.

CBS Sports ranked Alonso 11th among free agents available entering the winter.. We noted at the time that he might get a cool reception because he was a right-handed first baseman approaching his 30th birthday. Albert Pujols or Miguel CabreraBut Alonso falls short of that measure.”

What is noteworthy is athletic report Other teams, including the Blue Jays, are still bidding for Alonso. If Toronto signs Alonso, here's what to expect: Vladimir Guerrero Junior remains the same.

Earlier this week, CBS Sports took note After a disastrous season, the Blue Jays are at a crossroads and could use some clarity on their short- and long-term direction.

The other option is to focus on short-term competitiveness by upgrading the roster around Guerrero and Bichette, regardless of the long-term consequences. If the Blue Jays were going to take that kind of aggressive stance into the offseason, they probably would have already done so by accomplishing some of their previous goals. While Sasaki's youth makes him a rare free agent who would be a reasonable target no matter which direction the Blue Jays go in, failing to woo him could leave the Blue Jays without another opportunity to add an impact talent to their roster this offseason. You may leave. (Because 'May' is still left Several quality free agents remain.good night Alex Bregman and jack flahertyThe trade market may experience some volatility between now and the opening date.)

The Blue Jays are also one of three finalists for Japanese ace Rocky Sasaki. that dodgers and parents It is also said to be in progress.

Jays, Guerrero extension negotiations 'accelerate'

Speaking of Guerrero, The Athletic reports::

The Blue Jays haven't discussed an extension with Guerrero's camp since before Christmas, according to a source briefed on the conversation. But those talks are expected to accelerate ahead of Guerrero's self-imposed deadline of Feb. 17, a day before the Jays hold their first full workout for pitchers and position players.

Remember, Guerrero, 25, is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season. He's already a four-time All-Star and a runner-up for AL MVP in 2021, making him a two-way superstar. Shohei Otani. Last season, Guerrero hit .323/.396/.544 (166 OPS+) with 44 doubles, 30 home runs, 103 RBI, 98 runs scored, and 6.2 WAR.

Not only will the Blue Jays have to convince Guerrero to sign an extension with money, but they will also have to somehow convince them of the direction of the franchise.

Padres get backup catcher

The Padres have agreed to terms on a contract with free agent catcher Martín Maldonado. The Athletic reports..

Maldonado, 38, hit .119/.174/.230, -1.3 WAR. white sox Last season. He has long been known as a defense-first backstop with a cannon for an arm that works well with pitchers. that Astros I pledged with him for years and won a ring with them in 2022.

Luis Campusano He is the starting catcher for the Padres.