Title: Uncertainty Looms Over Pete Alonso’s Future with the Mets
Subtitle: Contract negotiations and potential trade discussions leave the slugger’s fate up in the air
Date: [Insert Date]
Byline: [Author’s Name]
New York – Pete Alonso, a prominent figure in the Mets organization since his debut in 2019, faces an uncertain future as his contract nears its end. Set to become a free agent at the end of the next season, Alonso’s potential nine-figure payday has sparked discussions between his camp and the Mets about a potential extension. However, conflicting views on the type of contract the 28-year-old should command have left his future in New York in doubt.
Sources close to the negotiations have stated that while the Mets’ offer was not insulting, it failed to convince Alonso to forgo free agency. With an extended offseason ahead, both sides have opted to delay any final decisions regarding the contract. Additionally, the possibility of reaching a deal for the 2024 season before reassessing options next summer has been considered. This would allow the Mets to retain organizational clarity and make decisions closer to Alonso’s impending free agency.
Amid an active Trade Deadline in which the Mets traded away several key players, speculations have arisen regarding the team’s approach for the 2024 season. Despite the trades, insiders suggest that the Mets may not be prepared to fully rebuild and could rely on Alonso and their current offense, followed by signing starting pitchers to multi-year deals. However, the uncertainty surrounding decision-makers within the organization, particularly the hiring of a president of baseball operations, prevents a definitive assessment of the Mets’ roster strategy.
Considering Alonso’s impending free agency and his projected salary range of $21 million in his final year of arbitration this offseason, the Mets may explore trade options in the coming months. According to USA Today, the Mets have informed other teams that any player not under contract beyond 2024 is available, including Alonso. While executives agree that trading Alonso would save the Mets’ significant salary obligations for 2024, their expected return for one year of Alonso might not be substantial. Nonetheless, this approach could be their best course of action, allowing them to potentially re-sign Alonso as a free agent after 2024.
Notably, the possibility of trade negotiations involving Alonso this winter, similar to deals for Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, has been considered. The Mets could potentially pay down Alonso’s salary in exchange for an upgrade on the prospects received in return.
Alonso’s remarkable performance, with an impressive 185 home runs in 653 career games, makes him an attractive player for a significant payday. The question remains whether Alonso seeks a contract between the figures signed by Matt Olson and Freddie Freeman or aims for one surpassing $30 million per year, potentially making him the highest-paid first baseman in history.
Should the talks between Alonso and the Mets this offseason fail to bridge the gap between the two sides, it is likely that the Mets will consider trading the three-time All-Star for prospects, rather than risking losing him for Draft-pick compensation.
With the Mets not constrained by payroll limitations like other teams, it is expected that the organization would prefer holding out until they receive a high-end prospect, similar to their approach during the Trade Deadline.
Several clubs, including the Brewers and Cubs, expressed interest in Alonso before this year’s Trade Deadline. Given the scarcity of impact first basemen in the free-agent market this year, more teams would likely join the pursuit if Alonso were made available.
With the Mets aiming to field the best possible team in 2024, it remains uncertain whether Alonso’s fate will be decided by a trade or a negotiation breakthrough. As offseason moves unfold and organizational decisions take shape, the Mets face a critical juncture in determining the future of their star slugger.