3 ways the Jays can respond to Pete Alonso signing with the Mets

In a normal MLB offseason, teams don't lose bidding wars with free agents a week before spring training starts.

But this hasn't been a normal MLB offseason. The latest reminder of that came on Wednesday when Pete Alonso decided to return to the Mets, which broke the hearts of Blue Jays fans everywhere.

Alonso's power would have been a boon to the Blue Jays' lineup in 2025, and they'll now have to figure out other ways to get pop in their lineup. Here are three ways Toronto can improve after missing out on Alonso.

The Blue Jays missed out on Pete Alonso so now they need to respond in another way

Sign Alex Bregman

Alonso heading back to New York is even more evidence that the Blue Jays need to add Alex Bregman to their lineup. Putting the former All-Star into the mix at third base is something this team really needs, especially since they have the leverage of reportedly being the only team to offer a long-term deal.

The roster Toronto has now is close to having the talent needed to win an American League East crown, and adding Bregman would put them over the hump.

Bregman would bring some much-needed power to their lineup (he's hit at least 20 home runs in the last three seasons) and is an above-average defender. Getting an all-around upgrade like him is needed more than ever.

Extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Finalizing an extension with Guerrero has been a discussion topic all offseason but we've reached the point where it's mark-or-break. Toronto desperately needs to lock up their star first baseman up for as long as they can.

His reported deadline to work out a deal is Feb. 17 (which is right around the corner) and there isn't a free agent option anywhere near Guerrero's talents. Extending him is the priority at this point.

Hope George Springer and Bo Bichette to bounce back

Since Toronto is not getting a boost to the lineup in Alonso, they need their internal options to save them from a poor season. Bichette and Springer both under-performed in 2024, yet their bats will be heavily relied relied upon in 2025.

If they can improve then there's a chance they could combine to be more productive than Alonso, but that's a bit of a gamble. Hopefully they can both return to form and add some power to a Blue Jays lineup that will have an Alonso-sized hole in it.