The New York Mets recently hosted their first winter fan event in five years at Citi Field, but a noticeable figure was missing from the festivities: Pete Alonso. For the first time since being drafted in 2016, Pete Alonso is not officially part of the Mets organization, sending ripples of uncertainty through the fanbase.
The Mets’ homegrown star first baseman is currently a free agent, and while a return to Queens isn’t entirely off the table, the possibility looms large that he may have already played his last game in a Mets uniform. This sentiment was echoed by Mets owner Steve Cohen himself during a candid “fireside chat” with fans at the event, where chants of “We want Pete!” filled the air.
Cohen didn’t mince words, stating, “Personally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation.” Drawing a comparison to other complex negotiations, he added, “I mean, Juan Soto’s negotiation was tough. This is worse. A lot of it is, we’ve made a significant offer. I don’t like the structures that are being presented back to us. I think it’s highly asymmetric against us, and I feel strongly about it.” These stark comments have intensified speculation about the future of Pete Alonso with the Mets.
Pete Alonso batting for the Mets
Contractual Iceberg: The Mets and Pete Alonso at Odds
Pete Alonso, alongside third baseman Alex Bregman, stands out as one of the premier position players still available in free agency. Initially seeking a long-term commitment, Alonso, represented by agent Scott Boras, has reportedly shown flexibility, now open to a three-year contract. Sources indicate the Mets are also amenable to this shorter-term arrangement. However, the sticking point, as is often the case in professional sports, is financial terms.
“I will never say no,” Cohen admitted, leaving a sliver of hope for a reunion. “There’s always the possibility. But the reality is we’re moving forward, and we continue to bring in players. As we continue to bring in players, the reality is it becomes harder to fit Pete into what is a very expensive group of players that we already have, and that’s where we are.” Cohen’s statement suggests a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the business side of baseball and the financial implications of building a competitive roster.
He further elaborated, “I’m being brutally honest. I don’t like the negotiations. I don’t like what’s being presented to us. Maybe that changes. I’ll always stay flexible. But if it stays this way, I think we’re going to have to get used to the fact that we may have to go forward with the existing players that we have.” This directness from the Mets’ owner paints a picture of a significant impasse in negotiations with Pete Alonso.
Boras Counters: “Just Established Fairness Standards”
Scott Boras, known for his assertive representation of his clients, responded to Cohen’s public remarks later that Saturday. In a counter-statement, Boras asserted, “Pete’s free agent contract structure request are identical to the standards and practices of other clubs who have signed similarly situated qualifying offer/All-Star-level players. Nothing different. Just established fairness standards.” Boras’s response frames Alonso’s contract demands as reasonable and in line with market value for players of his caliber, pushing back against the Mets’ portrayal of the negotiations as lopsided.
Life After Polar Bear? Mets Explore Contingency Plans
Regardless of the ongoing Alonso negotiations, the Mets have been actively reshaping their roster this offseason. They recently welcomed back outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker on a one-year, $7.5 million contract and bolstered their bullpen with left-handed reliever A.J. Minter on a two-year, $22 million deal. These moves follow a flurry of earlier acquisitions, including Juan Soto, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, and Frankie Montas, signaling a significant investment in revamping the team.
In a clear indication of preparing for a scenario without Alonso, the Mets have instructed third basemen Mark Vientos and Brett Baty to begin working out at first base. Both players confirmed this organizational shift at the fan event. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns addressed the Alonso situation, stating, “We all love Pete, and we’ve said that many times. And I think, as we’ve gone through this process, we’ve continued to express that. We also understand that this is a business, and Pete, as a free agent, deserves the right and has the right and earned the privilege, really, to see what’s out there.”
Stearns also highlighted internal options, adding, “We also feel really good about the young players who are coming through our system who have the ability to play at the major league level.” Vientos, coming off a strong season, and Baty, a former top prospect, represent the Mets’ potential in-house solutions at first base should Alonso depart. Manager Carlos Mendoza further named veterans Jared Young and Joey Meneses, both recent signings, as additional first base alternatives.
Lindor’s Take: A Teammate’s Perspective on the Pete Alonso Mets Impasse
Francisco Lindor, a Mets cornerstone since 2021, offered a teammate’s perspective on Alonso’s uncertain future. “Pete’s been here since I’ve been here,” Lindor noted. “He was here before me. So, yeah, it would be different if he goes somewhere else. Yeah, it would be different. But I think he should take his time. I think he should make the best decision for himself and not feel that he’s rushed.” Lindor’s comments reflect the personal connection and respect players have for Alonso, while also acknowledging the professional realities of free agency.
Pete Alonso’s Mets Legacy: A Polar Bear in Queens
Pete Alonso, at 30 years old, has become deeply ingrained in Mets fan culture and a franchise icon over his six seasons in New York. His 226 home runs since his major league debut are second only to Aaron Judge in all of baseball during that span. His remarkable 53 home runs in his rookie year of 2019 remain a rookie record. Alonso has been the epitome of reliability, rarely missing games and demonstrating consistent offensive power, earning four All-Star selections and two Home Run Derby titles.
However, his defensive metrics and baserunning contributions are considered areas of weakness, and his offensive output has seen a slight decline in recent seasons. These factors may be influencing his free agent market, which hasn’t materialized as lucratively as anticipated when he turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension in 2023.
The situation contrasts with outfielder Brandon Nimmo, the Mets’ longest-tenured player, who, also represented by Boras, successfully negotiated an eight-year, $162 million contract to stay with the Mets two offseasons prior. Unlike Alonso’s protracted negotiations, Nimmo’s deal was finalized in December, well ahead of spring training.
As the offseason progresses, the question remains: Will Pete Alonso and the Mets find common ground for a reunion, or will the “Polar Bear” era in Queens conclude, ushering in a new chapter for both the player and the franchise? The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of Pete Alonso and the New York Mets.
