The New York Mets are reportedly considering a new strategy for securing Pete Alonso in free agency, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Instead of offering a long-term contract that could carry into Alonso’s mid-to-late 30s, the Mets are leaning toward a shorter-term deal with a higher annual average value (AAV), focusing on short-term gains while avoiding the risks of future decline.
Maximizing Alonso’s Earnings with a Higher AAV
Under this approach, the Mets might propose a five-year, $170 million deal, averaging $34 million per season. This would place Alonso among the highest-paid players in the league but keep the financial commitment more manageable over the life of the contract. In comparison, a longer-term deal, like seven years for $189 million, would lower the AAV to $27 million per season, offering long-term security at the cost of immediate earning potential.
For Alonso, the shorter-term deal allows him to capitalize on his prime years and potentially re-enter the free-agent market for another significant payday at age 34, assuming his production remains consistent.
Avoiding the Risks of Long-Term Decline
The Mets’ preference for a shorter deal reflects their awareness of aging curves and the need for roster flexibility. Alonso will be 30 at the start of the 2025 season, and while his power and durability have remained strong, committing to a lengthy contract increases the risk of paying for declining performance as he ages. A five-year deal would allow the Mets to capitalize on Alonso’s peak years while minimizing the chances of a steep drop in production.
This strategy also provides the team with financial flexibility, enabling them to address other roster needs and adapt to changing circumstances over the contract’s duration.
Alonso’s Consistency as a Key Contributor
Alonso has proven to be one of the most consistent power hitters in the game. In 2024, he played all 162 games, posting a slash line of .240/.329/.459 with 34 home runs, 88 RBIs, and a 122 wRC+. His durability and elite slugging make him a critical part of the Mets’ lineup, especially as they aim to build a competitive core around recent acquisitions like Juan Soto.
Balancing Immediate Gains with Long-Term Flexibility
While Alonso’s offensive production is invaluable, the Mets must also weigh how his contract affects their ability to address other team needs. Offering a higher AAV on a shorter contract allows the Mets to maintain flexibility to invest in pitching and additional hitting. This approach aligns with owner Steve Cohen’s vision of building a sustainable, competitive roster for the future.
The Mets’ pursuit of a shorter-term deal with Alonso highlights their willingness to adapt, retaining a key player while keeping options open for future needs. This strategy could serve as a model for how the Mets manage star players moving forward.
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