As the New York Mets enter the final several games of the season, the team will have a busy offseason. With David Stearns finally in charge after the Mets pursued him for years, Stearns will be in the driver’s seat for the Mets’ future. Part of the decision-making Stearns, general manager Billy Eppler, and owner Steve Cohen will have to make is on a certain slugger. A Polar Bear, if you will, first baseman Pete Alonso. He is a free agent after the 2024 season, and his contract negotiations will be fascinating. New York will have to lock him up as soon as possible, and they are already discussing an extension with their star player.
Mets Discussing Extension With Slugger
Per Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the Mets and Alonso are discussing a contract extension.
Source: Mets and Pete Alonso have discussed an extension and are on the same page with financials, but apart on the amount of years
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) September 20, 2023
More:https://t.co/cdnpoIhYZL
According to the source who spoke to Ragazzo, the two sides are on the same page regarding the money. Of course, money should be OK with Cohen as the owner. Alonso should be paid handsomely. However, that same source said the Mets and Alonso have not seen eye-to-eye. The source says Alonso is looking for a 10-year deal. With him being 29 years old, that deal would take him to his age 39 season.
Reaction To Mets And Alonso Being Apart On Years
Understandably, the Mets don’t want to commit to him for a decade, as he would almost be 40 years old when the contract ends. That is where the Mets and Alonso will have to meet in the middle ground. An 8-year deal would make the most sense for both parties and keep him as a Met for his whole career, including most of his prime. Stearns’ current involvement in negotiations is a question mark, considering he officially takes the President of Baseball Operations job on October 2. Regardless, it’s good that both sides are talking and trying to find a resolution.
The Importance of Getting a Deal Done.
The bottom line is that the Mets have only had two forever players: Ed Kranepool and David Wright. Since entering the league in 2019, Alonso has hit more home runs than any player. He’s been a consistent middle-of-the-order bat who strikes a ton of balls deep and drives in many runs—averaging 30 or more home runs and 100 RBI. Also, Mets fans love him, New York City loves him, and Alonso loves the Mets and the City. It’s almost a perfect match. He’s the type of player you can’t let go and a no-brainer to extend. You make sure he’s wearing your uniform forever. However, it all depends on what Stearns, Eppler, and Cohen decide.
Billy Eppler’s Statement
Shortly after the report of the two sides talking, Billy Eppler released this statement. Saying they want to keep all discussions of a contract private.
Billy Eppler has issued a statement on Pete Alonso:
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 20, 2023
“While we understand the media and public interest in player contract situations, we strongly believe in keeping those conversations private. Any circulating reports do not accurately reflect our conversations with Pete.”
Pete Alonso Comments
Before the Mets 8-3 win over the Miami Marlins, Alonso was asked about the situation. To him, New York is home.
“I love New York. It’s been such a blessing and an honor to be part of this organization. New York doesn’t [just] feel like home…it is home.”
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 20, 2023
Pete Alonso talks about how much he enjoys being in New York playing with the Mets: pic.twitter.com/rIZSA5a8Yu
Main Photo Credits: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
