Mets Face Uncertain Future as Pete Alonso’s Free Agency Drags On

NEW YORK — The New York Mets held their first winter fan event in five years at Citi Field on Saturday, but one notable figure was missing: Pete Alonso. The homegrown first baseman, a free agent for the first time since being drafted in 2016, was absent as fans chanted his name and owner Steve Cohen addressed the elephant in the room.

“We made a significant offer to Pete,” Cohen said during a panel discussion. “He’s entitled to explore his market. That’s what he is doing. Personally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation. I mean, Soto was tough — this is worse.” Cohen added that the structures being proposed by Alonso’s camp are “highly asymmetric” against the Mets, making a deal difficult to reach.

Alonso, 30, has been a cornerstone of the Mets since his debut in 2019, hitting 226 home runs and earning four All-Star selections. However, his offensive production has declined over the past three seasons, and his defensive limitations have tempered his free-agent market. Despite this, he remains one of the top position players available, alongside third baseman Matt Chapman.

Agent Scott Boras, who represents Alonso, defended the player’s contract demands. “Pete’s free-agent contract structure request are identical to the standards and practices of other clubs who have signed similarly situated qualifying-offer/all-star level players,” Boras said. “Nothing different. Just established fairness standards.”

The Mets have already made significant moves this offseason, re-signing outfielder/DH J.D. Martinez and adding left-handed reliever Jake Diekman. They’ve also signed Juan Soto, Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Harrison Bader, among others. These additions have made it increasingly difficult to fit Alonso into the team’s payroll, according to Cohen.

In preparation for a potential future without Alonso, the Mets have instructed third basemen Mark Vientos and Brett Baty to work out at first base. Vientos, 25, had a breakout season in 2023, while Baty, a former top prospect, struggled after a hot start and was demoted to Triple-A. Both players confirmed the organization’s request on Saturday.

“We all love Pete, and we’ve said that many times,” said Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. “But we also understand that this is a business, and Pete, as a free agent, deserves the right to see what’s out there. We also feel really good about the young players who are coming through our system.”

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned veterans DJ Stewart and Ji-Man Choi as additional options at first base if Alonso doesn’t return. Meanwhile, shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has played alongside Alonso since 2021, expressed support for his teammate’s decision-making process. “He should make the best decision for himself and not feel like he’s rushed into a decision,” Lindor said.

Alonso’s legacy with the Mets is undeniable. He set a rookie record with 53 home runs in 2019 and has been a reliable presence, never missing more than nine games in a season. However, his future with the team remains uncertain as spring training approaches.