New York, NY — In an unexpected but highly significant turn of events, New York Mets owner Steven Cohen is reportedly planning to personally intervene in the ongoing contract negotiations with first baseman Pete Alonso. Sources close to the Mets have confirmed that Cohen views Alonso as the cornerstone of the franchise, and he is prepared to take a hands-on approach to ensure the star slugger remains in Queens for the long haul.
Alonso, the 29-year-old powerhouse who has been the Mets’ offensive leader since his debut in 2019, is entering the final year of his current contract in 2025. Despite the team’s best efforts, there has been no agreement on an extension thus far. Alonso’s meteoric rise to stardom, including multiple 40+ home run seasons and a slew of franchise records, has made him a fan favorite and one of the top sluggers in Major League Baseball. However, the negotiations surrounding his future have been clouded by questions about the team’s commitment to retaining him and the price tag for a long-term deal.
Cohen, who took control of the Mets in 2020 with the promise of financial resources and aggressive roster-building, has been quick to demonstrate his commitment to winning. Yet, while he’s invested heavily in free agents, it’s Alonso’s homegrown talent that Cohen views as the key to the team’s long-term success.
“Pete is a huge part of what we’re building here,” Cohen told a group of reporters earlier this week, reportedly expressing his desire to keep Alonso in a Mets uniform for the foreseeable future. “He’s not just a power hitter; he’s the heart and soul of this team. I know it’s crucial for us to lock him up long term. He’s the face of the franchise, and we want him to remain that way.”
Sources say that Cohen’s hands-on involvement is indicative of the gravity he places on the situation. While Mets general manager Billy Eppler and team executives have previously handled contract talks, Cohen’s direct involvement underscores how pivotal the team considers Alonso’s presence in its rebuilding process.
As one of the few players on the roster who could draw serious attention from both the Mets’ fan base and rival teams, Alonso’s potential exit would signal a major shift in the organization’s trajectory. Despite his remarkable production, there has been speculation that the Mets might be hesitant to offer Alonso a massive extension due to concerns over long-term financial commitments and his reliance on power hitting. While his production has been undeniable, Alonso’s value could depend heavily on staying healthy and maintaining his ability to crush home runs at a high rate.
However, Cohen’s intervention may signal a shift in the Mets’ thinking. Recent reports suggest that he is willing to be aggressive in making Alonso’s deal a priority — possibly offering a long-term contract in the range of $200 million or more. The timing of these talks could be crucial, as the Mets look to build a competitive roster for 2025 and beyond, with Alonso at the center of their plans.
One of the driving factors in Cohen’s push is the perception that the Mets need a superstar to lead them back to the top of the National League. While the team has invested heavily in pitching and bolstered its lineup in recent years, the presence of a star like Alonso could make the difference in a postseason run.
The negotiations have yet to reach a conclusion, and as of now, no formal offer has been made. Still, insiders suggest that Cohen is eager to ensure a deal gets done before the start of the 2025 season. He’s expected to meet with Alonso’s representatives in the coming days to discuss terms, with both sides hoping to avoid a potentially contentious arbitration process.
In the end, the future of Pete Alonso with the Mets could be decided by the hands of the man at the top. Cohen’s commitment to securing the slugger’s future could prove to be a defining moment in the franchise’s rebuilding process — one that solidifies the Mets’ ambition to build a championship contender in the coming years.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
Leave a Reply