The New York Mets seemed to be moving towards a win-now roster this offseason, adding acquiring veteran pitchers Sean Manea and Luis Severino, outfielder Harrison Bader, reliever Jake Diekman, and more. They have also shown interest in six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez. been circling six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez as well.
But their most significant commitment is likely to come, as their homegrown slugger Pete Alonso faces unrestricted free agency after the season. Alonso could potentially sign a nine-year, $288 million contract, according to SportracJake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman of Yahoo! Sports recently argued that the team's recent commitments to lesser players should make re-signing Alonso an easy decision. Shusterman stated that it should be a no-brainer to re-sign Alonso, especially considering the team's $162 million, 8-year deal with Nimmo. The Mets allowed Nimmo to hit free agency, but they were able to bring him back after he tested the waters., and In his eight-year MLB career, 30-year-old Nimmo has a batting average of .270, an on-base percentage of .380, and a slugging percentage of .447 with 87 career home runs. In his five MLB seasons, 29-year-old Alonso has a batting average of .251, an on-base percentage of .342, and a slugging percentage of .528 with 192 career home runs. Alonso has also been selected as a three-time All-Star.
Mintz added, "If they want Pete, they’ll pay for Pete.
The New York Mets Could Be Considering Extending Pete Alonso's Contract
The question is whether the team sees Alonso as a player they can build around in the future. There are indications that new president of baseball operations David Stearns may not view Alonso in this way. has slashed Rival front offices have expressed doubts about whether new top baseball executive David Stearns would commit to a lucrative, long-term deal for a player like Alonso, a right-right first baseman close to his 30th birthday. has slashed R.J. Anderson reported. is also Despite any reservations Stearns may have, owner Steve Cohen could potentially overrule him. Cohen hinted that Alonso might take a similar path as Nimmo and reliever Edwin Díaz, exploring free agency before ultimately returning to the team.
“We’re always open to conversation, but he’s earned the right to explore his value,”
Cohen said during a recent appearance on the “Meet The Apple” podcast
The New York Mets Might Trade Pete Alonso, Even Before Re-Signing Him
Alonso's future could be decided before the end of the season. If the Mets are unable to improve on their 75-87 record from 2023, they might see Alonso as a valuable trade asset before his free agency. “I believe that could happen if this team performs poorly,” Mintz said regarding a potential midseason trade involving Alonso. “If the team is struggling, just imagine the offer a contender would make to have him in their lineup for the second half of the year.”Based on recent events, it seems the New York Mets are open to extending Pete Alonso's contract, even if he asks for a sum of over 100 million dollars for 2025 and beyond.
Regardless of what his models tell him, Stearns can hypothetically be overruled by owner Steve Cohen. In recent comments, Cohen seemed to hint that Alonso might have a similar path as Nimmo and reliever Edwin Díaz — that is, exploring free agency before ultimately returning to his team.
“We’re always open to conversation, but he’s earned the right to explore his value,” Cohen said during a recent appearance on the “Meet The Apple” podcast. “I’m highly supportive of all players doing that. Just like we ended up figuring it out with Edwin Díaz and Brandon Nimmo, it would be my hope that we do the same with Pete.”
The New York Mets Might Trade Pete Alonso, Even Before Re-Signing Him
Of course, Alonso’s fate could be determined before the end of the season. If the Mets are unable to make on-field progress after a 75-87 2023 record, the team might see Alonso’s greatest value as a trade asset ahead of his free agency.
“I think that’s definitely in play if this team is bad,” Mintz said of a possible midseason Alonso trade. “Because holding on to Pete for the second half of this year if they’re bad — think about what a team would pay to have him in the middle of their lineup, a contender.”
