The focal point of the offseason speculation revolves around the future of New York Mets’ powerhouse first baseman Pete Alonso, who enters the final year of his contract. The burning questions: Will he be traded?
Will the Mets secure him with a long-term extension before the regular season begins?
Interestingly, it seems the answer to both queries might be neither.
Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, shared insights during an appearance on “Foul Territory” on Wednesday regarding Alonso’s future with the team. Stearns stated, “I think where we are, where Pete is, we are going to focus on this year.” He emphasized the importance of Alonso having a strong season for both the team and himself before determining future plans.
Based on Stearns’ remarks, it appears the Mets are willing to let the current season unfold before engaging in negotiations with Alonso, allowing him to enter free agency next winter.
While this strategy carries risks, it doesn’t necessarily mean Alonso is destined to leave, as evidenced by the Mets’ approach with players like Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz, and Jacob deGrom last year, successfully retaining the former two.
Alonso’s remarkable performance, averaging 45 home runs per season since entering the league in 2019, positions him for a significant payday, likely guided by super agent Scott Boras.
However, there’s optimism within the Mets organization regarding the prospect of re-signing Alonso and keeping him in Queens for the long haul. Stearns expressed confidence in their ability to negotiate with Alonso, stating, “We’re certainly invested in keeping Pete a Met, and I’m hopeful, over time, we’ll be able to work that out.”
