New York Mets, Pete Alonso Apart On Years For Potential Long-Term Deal
They have had discussions.
The New York Mets and star first baseman Pete Alonso are on the same page when it comes to financials for a long-term extension, but they are apart when it comes to the amount of years on a potential deal, as a team source told Inside the Mets.
The same source says Alonso is seeking a 10-year deal, but the Mets have been unwilling to meet him on this number so far. Alonso will turn 29-years-old in December, so a decade long contract would bring him up to 39, which could be why the Mets are currently reluctant to go there.
It is also unknown the level of involvement that new president of baseball operations David Stearns has had in these talks, if any, considering he doesn't officially take over his new role until October 2. But general manager Billy Eppler is still in place and is expected to remain in the same position when Stearns comes on board. Eppler declined comment for this story.
Alonso is entering the final year of his contract in 2024. The Mets could work out an extension with him prior to next season or wait until he reaches free agency. The latter is something owner Steve Cohen has hinted at doing, which is what they did with Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz and Jacob deGrom. But they have already begun speaking to Alonso about a new deal.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs both called about Alonso's availability at the trade deadline. The Brewers and Mets actually discussed a potential trade, but there is some disagreement regarding how close the sides got to reaching a deal.
The Mets could possibly trade Alonso this winter when his value will be the highest, but it sounds like they are more likely to try to workout a long-term extension with him first.
Alonso has become a franchise cornerstone player for the Mets and no player has more home runs or RBIs since he entered the league in 2019 as a rookie.
Alonso and the Mets have had discussions about a new deal. They're close on financials, but apart on years.
Update:
Eppler released a statement through the Mets denying the accuracy of this report:
“While we understand the media and public interest in player contract situations, we strongly believe in keeping those conversations private. Any circulating reports do not accurately reflect our conversations with Pete.”
