Pete Alonso is not one of David Stearns’ priorities for the New York Mets’ offseason plan. His focus is more on their pursuit of the pitching option and evaluating different trade opportunities. The New York Mets’ President of Baseball Operations has lots of things to do, like getting a coaching staff and bringing in new people to the front office. But what’s most important is the changing of their roster in different areas. But why avoid Alonso
Well, this 1B had a subpar 2024 campaign. Alonso’s sweepstakes have shrunk – not many teams are interested in him. And the New York Mets are one of them. They are not willing to offer him a long-term contract, especially with how he might look maybe three to four years down. Given that large contracts deduct very little from the player’s pay, ultimately it might turn out to be an unsuccessful deal for the team.
Pete Alonso’s hopes of a long-term deal with the Mets lands a major blow
There is a certain deadlock between the New York Mets and Pete Alonso. As pointed out by Ken Rosenthal on the Foul Territory, “Stearns as the President of Baseball Operations is a guy that we have seen certainly does not like to go long-term with pitchers and position players.” He also added, “In Alonso’s case, he is not the most athletic guy; he is someone who, in a couple of years, might be more over the age. What we have seen for Stearns is that he loves younger guys.” The Mets would now like to get a third baseman and look for other younger players rather than committing long-term with Alonso.
At 30, landing a long-term contract might be a major concern for Pete. Ken suggests that a $90 million, three-year deal makes more sense if he feels interested in moving back to the Mets. Despite being a free agent for the first time in his career, his market looks lukewarm. And the Mets have some different requirements right now.
The club is on the hunt for ideally two starting pitchers for a rotation. It could help them pitch near the top of the rotation and strengthen their lineup. They would also need a first baseman, and in case there isn’t any, a third baseman would also make sense. In that case, the Mets could send Mark Vientos to the first base. These priorities of Stearns are making the Alonso-Mets reunion unlikely. And even though letting go of Pete Alonso might dishearten fans, the team did make their biggest MLB deal.
Juan Soto’s signing comes as a major boost for the New York Mets
The New York Mets signed Juan Soto for a 15-year, $765 million contract, which is by far the largest deal in MLB history. His addition transforms the lineup and brings in more than one big hitter. Soto had a batting average of.288, 166 hits, 41 homers, 109 RBIs, and 128 runs scored in just 157 games. He even managed to win his fifth Slugger Award while being with the New York Yankees in 2024. Not only has he matched the criteria of a young player that Stearns intended to add to the lineup, but his skills could also provide a major lineup boost.
Regardless of how Soto performs in his first year with the Mets, the team would look to get Buehler or even re-sign Manaea. They might trade Cease or Castillo and not break the bank for big starting pitchers. Christian Walker could be a good choice. However, he’s entering the age-34 season, and a long-term contract might take him to 37 years. The Mets could also focus on Alex Bregman, considering a maximum of five to six years. But Bregman’s market still looks good, with the Red Sox being his logical destination.
Alex Bregman could’ve been a potential suitor for the Mets instead of Pete Alonso if he agreed on a short-term deal. It all makes sense as the club looks for a 3B and Bregman had an extraordinary 2024 season with 75 RBIs and 26 homers, and even winning the Golden Glove award. But where does that leave Alonso?
Do you think the Mets will re-sign him? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
Leave a Reply