New York Mets Owner Steve Cohen has expressed his desire to retain All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, but he acknowledges that a new deal is unlikely to happen until Alonso hits free agency this offseason. In a recent episode of the team podcast “Meet at the Apple,” Cohen stated, “We’re always open to conversation, but he’s earned the right to explore his value. I’m highly supportive of all players doing that. Just like we ended up figuring it out with Edwin Díaz and Brandon Nimmo, it would be my hope that we do the same with Pete.”
Alonso, who has spent his entire five-year MLB career with the Mets, signed a one-year, $20.5 million contract in January to avoid arbitration. As he approaches free agency, Alonso has expressed his love for the team and his willingness to envision himself as a lifelong Met. He said, “I love it here. I definitely have envisioned myself being a lifelong Met, that’s something I’ve definitely thought about… I welcome the idea, but I can’t predict the future.”
With his impressive performance last season, where he recorded a slash line of .217/.318/.504 with 46 home runs and 108 RBIs, Alonso has solidified himself as a key player for the Mets. He has hit 192 home runs over the last five seasons, making him the player with the most home runs in Major League Baseball during that period.
Cohen’s desire to keep Alonso comes as no surprise. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has also acknowledged that Alonso hitting free agency is the most likely outcome. League sources indicate that the Mets are expected to aggressively pursue Alonso in the offseason.
It only makes sense for the Mets to pursue Alonso. He is a homegrown star who remains in his prime and provides elite power. Cohen recognizes Alonso’s importance to the team, stating, “We want to keep him. He’s an important part of our team today and hopefully in the future.”
In the past, the Mets have allowed players like Díaz and Nimmo to hit free agency before bringing them back on long-term deals. Cohen acknowledges the fans’ love for Alonso but also emphasizes the team’s best interest, saying, “The reality is there’s never one player that makes a team, that’s why they call it a team. We’ve got to do what’s in the best interest of the club over any one player.”
Cohen’s hope is that Alonso continues to excel and make it difficult for him during free agency. He jokingly said, “I hope he hits 55 home runs and makes it so difficult on me in free agency. I would call that a great outcome.”
As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on the Mets and their pursuit of retaining Pete Alonso. The fans’ hope for a long-term deal with their beloved first baseman aligns with Cohen’s desire to keep him as an integral part of the team. Only time will tell if Alonso’s vision of being a lifelong Met becomes a reality.