New York Mets Face Uncertain Future Without Pete Alonso
NEW YORK — The New York Mets recently hosted their first winter event for fans in five years at Citi Field, and while the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, there was a noticeable absence that left fans with mixed emotions. Pete Alonso, the beloved homegrown star first baseman, was not in attendance. For the first time since the 2016 draft, Alonso is not part of the Mets’ organization, as he remains a free agent. Although a reunion is still on the table, there’s a real possibility that Alonso has played his last game as a Met.
Owner Steve Cohen addressed the situation candidly during a fireside chat with fans, who were chanting “We want Pete!” Cohen didn’t mince words, saying, “Personally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation. I mean, [Juan Soto’s negotiation] was tough. This is worse. A lot of it is, we’ve made a significant offer. I don’t like the structures that are being presented back to us. I think it’s highly asymmetric against us and I feel strongly about it.”
Alonso, along with third baseman Alex Bregman, is one of the two best position players left on the free agent market. Represented by Scott Boras, Alonso initially sought a long-term deal but is now open to a three-year contract with the Mets. However, the sticking point remains the financial terms.
Cohen expressed his willingness to keep the door open, stating, “I will never say no. There’s always the possibility. But the reality is we’re moving forward and we continue to bring in players. As we continue to bring in players, the reality is it becomes harder to fit Pete into what is a very expensive group of players that we already have and that’s where we are.”
The Mets have been active this offseason, re-signing outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker to a one-year, $7.5 million contract and adding left-handed reliever A.J. Minter on a two-year, $22 million deal. They’ve also signed Soto (15 years, $765 million), Sean Manaea (three years, $75 million), Clay Holmes (three years, $38 million), and Frankie Montas (two years, $34 million), among other moves.
In preparation for a potential future without Alonso, the Mets have instructed third basemen Mark Vientos and Brett Baty to work out at first base. Both players confirmed the organization’s request during the event.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns commented, “We all love Pete, and we’ve said that many times. And I think, as we’ve gone through this process, we’ve continued to express that. We also understand that this is a business and Pete, as a free agent, deserves the right and has the right and earned the privilege, really, to see what’s out there. We also feel really good about the young players who are coming through our system who have the ability to play at the major-league level.”
- Vientos, 25, had a breakout season, becoming one of the best hitters in the National League.
- Baty, a former top prospect, started strong but struggled later, leading to a demotion to Triple-A.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza also mentioned veterans Jared Young and Joey Meneses as potential options at first base if Alonso doesn’t return.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor shared his thoughts, saying, “Pete’s been here since I’ve been here. He was here before me. So, yeah, it would be different if he goes somewhere else. Yeah, it would be different. But I think he should take his time. I think he should make the best decision for himself and not feel that he’s rushed.”
Alonso, 30, has been a fan favorite and a franchise cornerstone over his six seasons in Queens. He’s hit 226 home runs since his major-league debut, the second-highest total in baseball behind only Aaron Judge. His 53 home runs in 2019 set a rookie record. He’s been a reliable everyday presence, never missing more than nine games in a season and playing in all 178 games, postseason included, in 2024. He’s made four All-Star teams and won the Home Run Derby twice.
However, Alonso’s defensive and baserunning skills have been criticized, and his offensive production has declined over the last three seasons. This has led to a less lucrative free-agent market than expected, especially after he declined a seven-year, $158 million contract extension in 2023.
Hall of Famer and former Mets catcher Mike Piazza weighed in, saying, “Listen, he’s a special player. Guys that can hit 40 home runs are not walking on the street. So when he’s really in his game, he’s a special player. I hope, from a personal standpoint, I hope they work something out.”
Outfielder Brandon Nimmo, the longest-tenured player on the roster, signed an eight-year, $162 million contract to remain with the Mets two offseasons ago. Like Alonso, Boras is his agent. Unlike Alonso, he reached a resolution in December, not with spring training around the corner.
Nimmo expressed his hopes, saying, “I would love to see Pete back with us, but I also understand that I don’t make those decisions. And that’s between Pete and our front office and David [Stearns] and Steve [Cohen]. And from what I understand, there’s been a lot of talks between them. I’m still hopeful that we’ll sign him.”
Originally Written by: Jorge Castillo
