The New York Mets have made significant moves this offseason, notably signing outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract. Following this acquisition, the Mets are now focusing on re-signing their homegrown first baseman, Pete Alonso. Alonso, who has been a cornerstone of the Mets’ offense since his debut in 2019, is currently a free agent after declining a seven-year, $158 million extension during the 2023 season.
Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, has expressed a strong desire to retain Alonso, stating, “We’d love to bring Pete back. Pete’s been a great Met. He had some enormous hits for us, and we’ll see where that goes.” Despite the substantial financial commitment to Soto, Stearns emphasized that ownership is prepared to allocate additional resources to improve the team.
The potential pairing of Soto and Alonso would create a formidable middle of the lineup for the Mets. However, Alonso’s market value remains a topic of discussion. Reports suggest that Alonso, represented by agent Scott Boras, is seeking a contract exceeding $150 million. The Mets’ initial offer of a three-year, $90 million deal with opt-outs after each season has been described by some as “borderline disrespectful,” considering Alonso’s consistent power-hitting performance. As negotiations continue, the Mets must balance their financial strategy with the goal of assembling a championship-caliber roster.
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