The New York Mets, known for their record-setting spending, found themselves in an unexpected position by late July of last season. Instead of strengthening their roster for a playoff push, the Mets made headlines by selling some of their biggest names. Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and several others were moved in various deals prior to the trade deadline, signaling a dramatic shift in strategy for the team.
Reports indicated that the Mets were open to all options regarding their shorter-term talent, including the possibility of trading star first baseman Pete Alonso. As Alonso approaches free agency this coming offseason, teams like the Brewers and Cubs explored the potential of acquiring him. However, no deal materialized, and Alonso remained with the Mets.
Failed Contract Negotiations with Alonso
This trade exploration followed a significant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt by the Mets to secure Alonso’s future with the team. Joel Sherman of the New York Post revealed that the Mets offered Alonso a seven-year, $158 million extension last June. This deal would have kept him in Queens through his age 29-35 seasons. Despite the lucrative offer, negotiations fell through, prompting the Mets to test Alonso’s value on the trade market.
The Mets’ offer mirrored the final seven years of Matt Olson’s extension with the Braves, which was an eight-year, $168 million pact including a $20 million club option for 2030. Unlike Olson’s deal, the Mets’ proposal to Alonso did not include a club option but still reflected comparable terms. Similarly, Freddie Freeman’s six-year, $162 million contract with the Dodgers served as another benchmark, with the Mets’ offer surpassing Freeman’s in terms of actual money due to deferrals in Freeman’s contract.
Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, have made it clear that they are seeking a contract significantly larger than those of Olson and Freeman. Boras emphasized Alonso’s unique market value, highlighting his consistent power, durability, and the scarcity of similar talent available in upcoming free agency periods. Boras argued that Alonso’s proven performance in New York sets him apart from others, making him a coveted asset for any MLB team.
Interestingly, Alonso changed his representation to the Boras Corporation after the Mets’ extension offer, indicating a strong likelihood that he will test the open market. Boras clients typically avoid extensions close to free agency, suggesting Alonso might seek to maximize his value when he becomes a free agent.
Alonso’s Performance and Future Prospects
Since debuting with a 53-homer season in 2019, Alonso has maintained his status as a top power hitter. With 202 career homers and a .249/.340/.524 slash line, he leads all players in home runs since 2019. This season, Alonso has continued to display his power with 10 home runs in his first 189 plate appearances, although his overall batting average has dipped.
The Mets’ decision to trade key players and consider moving Alonso reflects broader concerns about his future performance and contract demands. While Alonso has been remarkably durable, there are questions about his declining batting average and below-average hard-hit ball rate. These factors, combined with market dynamics, could influence Alonso’s free agency prospects.
Despite these uncertainties, Mets owner Steve Cohen has expressed a strong desire to keep Alonso long-term, indicating a willingness to spend big to retain fan favorites. With Cohen’s financial backing and the influence of President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, the Mets might still outbid the market to keep Alonso.
As the 2024 season progresses, Alonso’s performance will be closely watched. A typical strong season could enhance his free agency appeal, potentially leading to a contract closer to $200 million than the $158 million previously offered by the Mets. With the trade deadline behind them, the Mets’ focus now shifts to navigating Alonso’s impending free agency and the strategic decisions that will shape their future.