>>. This aarticle effectively captures the essence of the situation surrounding Pete Alonso’s contract negotiations, highlighting the emotional connection he has to the Mets and the city of New York, as well as the uncertainty that remains regarding a potential long-term deal.
>>. The article also invites readers to explore the questions that are central to this discussion, including the financial considerations, the team’s plans for the future, and Alonso’s own desires to stay with the Mets.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The slugging first baseman for the New York
Mets, Pete Alonso, fielded questions for approximately twenty minutes on Saturday, his first day of spring training, largely regarding his impending free agency. He answered several questions, claiming that he loved playing in New York, that there had been no discussions between the sides regarding a long-term extension, and that the only topics of conversation had been his one-year agreement to avoid arbitration. Naturally, the discussion and uneasy circumstances stoked even more curiosity.
Based on talks with league sources, The Athletic examined the most important queries regarding Alonso’s contract status in order to help make sense of where things stand and why.
Why does it seem like the Mets have been content with Alonso’s playing out the season and then entering free agency?
They most likely see Alonso as a player who wants to sign a free agent contract. Last week, David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for the Mets, admitted that Alonso’s hitting free agency appeared to be the most likely scenario. That does not exclude the Mets from wanting to sign him again. According to league sources, the Mets plan to pursue Alonso hard throughout the offseason. They may believe that it is counterproductive for both parties to participate in a protracted back-and-forth contract negotiation in the meantime, given the current low likelihood of a successful outcome.
Additionally, the Mets’ financial resources—thanks in part to owner Steve Cohen—allow them to let Alonso pursue free agency, something that a small-market team, for instance, would not be able to do.
Did Alonso want the Mets to come to him with more than the settlement to avoid arbitration?
Alonso stated that he would have been open to discussing a long-term contract with the Mets. Agent Scott Boras claimed that during the general managers’ meetings in November, he told Stearns, “When it comes to the Polar Bear, we’re not in contract hibernation.”
However, none of these implies that Alonso would have agreed to something right away.
“I know Scott made a pun during the Winter Meetings, but yeah, we sat back and listened, and definitely we welcome conversation,” Alonso said. “It’s just that the only conversation we had was about the one-year deal. But, hey, listen, I’m stoked to be here. I’m really, really excited, and I’m proud to play for New York. I’m proud to be a Met. It’s really a blessing. It’s a great place to be. It’s a great fan base. I love it here. It’s great.”
Why haven’t Alonso and Boras initiated talks?
First baseman Alonso was asked, “Why not just be proactive?” after he stated he just sat back and listened.
Alonso said, “That’s just what I think is right.”
Really, it comes down to leverage.
Consider making your employer an offer that includes a recommendation that they retain you for a further two years at a specific salary. It’s unlikely that you will be able to obtain any additional years or value.
It also functions in both directions. In the event that the Mets made an offer tomorrow, Boras would be wise to immediately consider: “OK, that’s the floor. What can we get in the open market with more teams involved?” For Juan Soto, another Boras client, who allegedly turned down $440 million earlier, this is how things have worked out and he is about to land a lot more.
Working out a deal before becoming a free agent doesn’t make financial sense, even if Alonso wants to stay with the Mets for the long run.
How should the situation be viewed?
It’s all unsurprising, and for the Mets, none of it sounds particularly concerning — yet.
After all, Brandon Nimmo signed a new contract with the Mets in October of last year after entering free agency following his hire of Boras. That is how things sometimes turn out. On occasion, it doesn’t (Jacob deGrom, who isn’t Boras’ representative). Additionally, an agreement can occasionally be negotiated in advance (see Francisco Lindor, who is likewise not represented by Boras). In the latter case, there must be unambiguous signs of desire on both sides for it to occur. It is a difficult dance. It’s challenging to take the initiative early.
Does Alonso want to stick with the Mets?
In general, it’s not necessary for desires to exercise free agency and to remain with the same team to conflict with one another.
If we believe Alonso when he says that he is a homegrown talent who has had a great five major league seasons in Queens. He hinted that he would like to play with the Mets for the remainder of his career while discussing how much he loves New York. However, that is hardly shocking. How could a guy who was about to enter free agency put himself in such a situation? Therefore, it’s difficult to extrapolate anything from Alonso’s complimentary remarks about the Mets beyond their obvious connotation.
“I’m sure I have envis.”ioned myself being a lifelong Met,” Alonso said. “That’s something I’ve definitely thought about. I love New York. It’s a really special place for my family and I. I’ve definitely thought of the idea and welcomed the idea. But I can’t predict the future. For me, I just want to focus on this season, and I just want to be the best person I can be. I’ve sat back and listened and just want to be the best player I can be. That’s it.”
What kind of deal will Alonso’s camp want?
League sources predict that Alonso will try to sign a contract bigger than what Paul Goldschmidt and Freddie Freeman did recently.
The Los Angeles Dodgers granted Freeman six years and $162 million in March 2022, one year before his age-32 season.
Goldschmidt signed a five-year, $130 million contract in March 2019, delaying his opportunity to become a free agency until after his age-31 season.
League insiders think that given his age, strength, and longevity, Alonso wouldn’t be incorrect to pursue agreements for more than them.
Alonso will turn 29 this season, and one of the main factors influencing free agency is age. Boras represented Mark Teixeira and Prince Fielder, but not Freeman or Goldschmidt.
It wouldn’t be shocking if Boras wants Alonso’s stats to be more in line with what Fielder and Teixeira received, even though those examples were far less recent. Fielder received $214 million and nine years ahead of schedule in January 2012, when he turned 28. Teixeira received eight years and $180 million in January 2009, eight years ahead of his age-29 season.
First basemen may not be viewed by front offices in the same manner as they formerly were. The Athletic contacted a few executives and scouts in October to estimate Alonso’s aging process. The committee was largely in agreement that Alonso’s power would allow him to maintain above-average offensive productivity through at least his age-33 season. But after that, the majority of the assessors voiced some doubt regarding Alonso’s prospects for the mid-30s..
Boras will, however, undoubtedly draw attention to Alonso’s advanced age, unique strength, and resilience. With the exception of the truncated 2020 season, Alonso completed three of his four full seasons with 40 or more home runs. The one season he fell short of that mark, he finished with 37 home runs. Throughout his career, Alonso has participated in all but 24 of the games that might be played; he has seldom missed any.
Is Alonso’s value higher for the Mets than any other team?
How much Alonso’s position as a homegrown talent matters to the Mets is still up in the air. But the Mets’ productivity will not be the sole factor in this computation. He has higher intentions. He needs more. Most likely, he deserves more.
The problem is, if it were a different team, none of that sentimental stuff would even enter the picture. So would the Mets think less of him? Perhaps not. Perhaps Alonso will receive offers comparable to what the Mets are ready to pay him just because of his strength and longevity. If that’s the case, what effect would that have?
Perhaps that will get answered in the offseason.
— The Athletic’s Tim Britton contributed to this report.
(Top photo: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)
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