Mets may be gearing up for end of the road with All-Star first baseman

Oct 18, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of game five of the NLCS during the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images, blue jays
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Mets appear to have little hope remaining that they’ll get a deal done with their treasured first baseman Pete Alonso in free agency.

Mets see Pete Alonso’s exit as nearly inevitable

MLB Trade Rumors’ Darragh McDonald unearthed a string of reports which shed light on the Mets’ viewpoint on the Alonso situation:

“The Mets and Pete Alonso have been in a staredown for a while but it seems the club is blinking. Andy Martino of SNY reports that they now expect him to sign elsewhere, with today’s agreement with Jesse Winker part of a plan to spread money around to various alternatives. Earlier today, Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Alonso’s market was heating up, with the Blue Jays and Mets involved, as well as a third unidentified team,” McDonald wrote.

McDonald also accentuated how Alonso’s camp reportedly was willing to settle for a short-term deal with opt-outs, but the money that the franchise proposed, $90 million over three years, was not enough for him.

Aug 29, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA;  New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) celebrates with outfielder Jesse Winker (3) after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Mets’ focus has shifted as Alonso’s market has expanded

Now that the Florida native’s market is opening up following many of his positional counterparts getting taken off of the board, there’s a strong likelihood that another team such as the Blue Jays or the other unnamed suitor will capitulate to Alonso’s salary demands, or at least come closer than New York. In turn, the Mets have eyes on Blue Jays superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They would push the button on a midseason trade in 2025 at the first chance they’d get.

Therefore, unless Alonso cashes out at $30 million annually for each of the next three seasons, he’ll have to chase his desired long-term deal elsewhere, which New York is now bracing for.

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