Pete Alonso’s return to the New York Mets is appearing less likely as the offseason progresses.
During the inaugural Amazin’ Day fan fest at Citi Field, executives hinted that the beloved power hitter’s free agency could lead him away from the team as spring training approaches.
Mets owner Steve Cohen shared, “We’ve made a significant offer to Pete,” while discussing the ongoing negotiations with President of Baseball Operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza. “This has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation.”
Cohen compared the current situation to the challenging contract talks that led to the signing of Juan Soto, stating, “Soto was tough. This is worse.”
Since making his MLB debut in 2019 with a record-setting 53 home runs, Alonso has become a fan favorite. The 30-year-old first baseman holds the franchise’s third-highest home run total, with 226, and delivered a crucial postseason moment last October, hitting a go-ahead homer against Milwaukee.
A packed Piazza Club echoed with chants of Alonso’s name as the management team addressed inquiries about his future. Stearns remarked, “We all love Pete, and we’ve said that many times,” emphasizing the business aspect of free agency and Alonso’s right to explore other options.
Stearns also highlighted the promising young talent rising through the Mets’ system, despite receiving some boos from the crowd. “We saw that last year, and we’re going to need to see it again,” he added.
Alonso remains one of the most prominent unsigned players in a slow-moving free agent market for corner infielders. Other notable players like Alex Bregman and Josh Bell have also yet to secure long-term deals, with only Christian Walker signing a three-year contract worth $60 million with Houston.
Cohen expressed frustration regarding the contract structures being offered, stating, “It’s highly asymmetric against us.” He acknowledged the possibility of Alonso returning but noted the challenges of fitting him into an already expensive roster.
Meanwhile, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos have been preparing for potential roles at first base, indicating the Mets’ depth at the position. Joey Meneses, who previously hit 29 homers with the Nationals, has also joined the organization on a minor-league deal.
Prior to the management panel, Alonso’s teammates and Hall of Famer Mike Piazza expressed hope for a reunion. “I would love to see Pete back with us, but I also understand that I don’t make those decisions,” outfielder Brandon Nimmo stated.
Piazza added, “Listen, he’s a special player — guys that can hit 40 homers just are not walking down the street.” He expressed a personal desire for the team to work something out with Alonso.
NOTES: Soto was expected to attend the event but faced flight cancellations from the Dominican Republic. Other players, including Dedniel Núñez and Huascar Brazobán, were also unable to attend. Nimmo and Francisco Lindor both anticipate being fully ready for the Mets’ first full workout of spring training on February 17.
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