Cubs once again called option for $242 million superstar

The Chicago Cubs likely will be in the mix to land one of the top sluggers in baseball this winter.

Chicago isn't far from being a playoff team in the National League, and it has been speculated for over a year that the club could be interested in adding a little more pop to the first base position. The Cubs consistently have been linked to New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, and it doesn't seem like the rumors are slowing down.

Alonso will be a free agent this winter, and Bleacher Report's Joe Tansey said Chicago could make a "formidable power duo" with Alonso and Cody Bellinger.

"USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that there are two potential suitors for Pete Alonso if he does not come back to the New York Mets," Tansey said. "If All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso doesn't return to the Mets, rival executives believe he will wind up in Seattle or with the Cubs," Nightengale wrote.

"The Cubs could use an upgrade over Michael Busch at first base. If they sign Alonso, they would have a formidable power duo in Alonso and Cody Bellinger. Alonso's power dipped in 2024, but he still produced his fourth straight season with 30-plus home runs. He improved his average by 23 points and has had at least 88 RBI in all of the five full seasons he's played with the Mets."

If the Cubs could land Alonso this winter, he certainly would give the club the offensive pop in the middle of the lineup that they are looking for.

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