Oakland Athletics interested in extending Yonder Alonso?
Yonder Alonso, a free-agent-to-be, is having a breakout season for the Oakland Athletics in 2017.
Throughout his first seven seasons in the major leagues, Yonder Alonso posted solid, but not spectacular numbers. He was an above average hitter, slashing .269/.334/.387 (103 OPS+), but he never hit for much power. Alonso also earned a sixth-place finish in the NL Rookie of the Year voting back in 2012, which was his first “full” season.
In 2017, however, Alonso has taken his game to a whole new level. Now in his second season with the Oakland Athletics, Alonso is putting up big numbers as an everyday first baseman. Through his first 61 games, he has slashed .301/.395/.622 (174 OPS+) with 17 home runs and 37 RBI. His previous career-best in the home run department was nine.
Alonso has been one of the more valuable first basemen in the game this season. His 2.2 fWAR currently ties Logan Morrison and Anthony Rizzo for the third-best mark among qualified players at that position.
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To trade or sign?
The Athletics find themselves in an interesting position with Alonso as well. With a record of 31-39, the A’s currently sit in last place in the AL West and could easily be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. With the way that Alonso has been swinging the bat, one would think he would clearly be an attractive target for a team looking to boost its offense.
Last week, however, Alonso told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that he wanted to remain in Oakland and was “open to [an extension].” According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, the A’s have now also “expressed interest in an Alonso extension.” Passan describes how few contending teams are in desperate need of DH/first base help, which might increase the likelihood of the A’s working out an extension with the slugger.
Alonso is clearly having a phenomenal season. Going forward, however, it will be interesting to see whether his current level of production will be sustainable, or if it might just turn out to be a career year.
Next: Indians move Michael Brantley to DL
Now 30 years of age, Alonso played for the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres prior to joining the A’s before the beginning of the 2016 campaign. Last week, he pulled into the lead for starting AL first baseman at this year’s All-Star Game, surpassing superstar Miguel Cabrera.