Pete Alonso’s Future with the Mets Uncertain as Free Agency Talks Drag On
The first Amazin’ Day fan fest at Citi Field failed to bring a resolution to the free agency saga of Pete Alonso, the New York Mets’ most popular and prolific power hitter. According to Mets owner Steve Cohen, the team has made a significant offer to Alonso, but it seems unlikely that he will re-sign with the team.
Cohen described the negotiations as “exhausting” and “worse” than those with star slugger Juan Soto, who signed a record $765 million, 15-year deal with the Mets last month. Alonso, who is represented by agent Scott Boras, has been a fan favorite since arriving in 2019 and has hit 226 homers, third-most in franchise history.
Manager Carlos Mendoza and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns expressed their appreciation for Alonso, but acknowledged that the team must also consider its young players and financial commitments. “We also feel really good about the young players who are coming through our system,” Stearns said.
The Mets have been linked to several free agents, including first baseman Christian Walker, who signed a three-year deal with Houston. However, Cohen indicated that the team is not willing to meet the high demands of corner infielders, citing “structures that are being presented to us” as “highly asymmetric against us.”
As the Mets move forward without Alonso, the team’s young players, including Brett Baty and Mark Vientos, have been taking reps at first base. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in the team’s depth at the position, which includes Joey Meneses, who signed a minor-league deal with the Mets in November.
Alonso’s teammates, including outfielder Brandon Nimmo, expressed hope that he and the club could still reunite, while Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza acknowledged that Alonso is a special player who deserves to explore his options. The Amazin’ Day fan fest included 18 panels about the Mets’ past, present, and future, featuring more than 50 players, alumni, and prospects in attendance.
