New York Mets' Superstar Still Open To Signing Extension With Team

It sounds like the ball is in the New York Mets' court regarding a possible long-term extension with superstar first baseman Pete Alonso.

Alonso sat at the podium in front of reporters at the Mets' spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla. on Saturday, and revealed he is all ears if the team decides to approach him about a new deal.

Pete Alonso indicated he’s open to negotiating a new contract with the Mets during the season. Indicated there won’t be an Opening Day deadline.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 17, 2024

According to Alonso, the only talks he had with the Mets this offseason were surrounding his one-year arbitration case, where he landed $20.5 million for 2024.

So for now, the 29-year-old slugger's plan is to sit back and wait for the Mets to come to him and super agent Scott Boras. If that doesn't happen, he will likely head to free agency after the season, which Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated is the likely scenario.

But there is a glimmer of hope, as Alonso made it clear that he is open to negotiating an extension during the regular season. This method is typically unorthodox given the distraction it would create in the year for the player, who is focused on playing games everyday. Regardless, Alonso appears to be willing to talk after spring training if the Mets choose to go this route.

In reality, spring training is normally the time period, where these types of deals get done, and given the fact that there has still been no dialogue between the two sides pretty much indicates that it will not happen.

Not to mention, Boras usually encourages his clients to test the waters in free agency, and Alonso is the best power-hitter in the game, having smashed more home runs and driven in more RBIs than any other player in baseball since making his big-league debut in 2019.

Alonso has quickly emerged as a franchise cornerstone, superstar and fan favorite for the Mets since bursting onto the scene with 53 homers in his rookie year. He is going to receive a handsome payday from either the Mets or some other team, should he decide to go to free agency. But in the very least, he is still willing to sign an extension with the only team he has ever played for at any level, and he isn't setting an Opening Day deadline.