MLB Network analyst Jim Duquette appears to have some inside details about the free-agency saga involving first baseman Pete Alonso and the New York Mets.
Duquette recently suggested that Mets proprietor Steve Cohen “could must ultimately leap in” concerning negotiations between Alonso’s camp and Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. It feels like Cohen will not be doing that anytime quickly.
“In accordance with league sources, Stearns and the Mets are holding the road on each the size and {dollars} of their short-term supply, which incorporates an opt-out after the primary yr,” SNY MLB insider Andy Martino mentioned on Wednesday. “The precise greenback determine shouldn’t be recognized. Proprietor Steve Cohen is totally supportive of Stearns’ method, in keeping with sources with direct information of his pondering.”
Martino famous that the Mets do need Alonso again for the 2025 season “and hope for a fast decision.” Nevertheless, Martino additionally echoed earlier stories and mentioned that New York may transfer 2024 breakout star Mark Vientos from third base to first after which give children resembling Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna alternatives at third base this spring. Moreover, Martino thinks the Mets may bolster their present lineup by re-signing free-agent outfielder and 2024 clubhouse favourite Jesse Winker.
On paper, the likes of Baty, Acuna and Winker do not function the kind of lineup safety followers have envisioned for All-Star outfielder Juan Soto. Per StatMuse, Alonso hit the second-most residence runs in all of MLB (226) from 2019-24. It is also price mentioning that the “Polar Bear” is beloved amongst paying clients who are starting to wonder if Alonso is truly needed again by these operating the Mets.
Duquette and others have identified that Stearns has no actual motive to bid in opposition to himself after different groups addressed first base by way of different strikes earlier this offseason.
“There simply aren’t many suits right here at a excessive worth level, even at that three-year, $90M to $100M degree,” ESPN’s David Schoenfield mentioned on Wednesday morning. “Possibly a shock group jumps in on a short-term cope with an opt-out, however in the long run, it nonetheless feels just like the Mets. A $100M-plus deal appears uncertain, however New York is the place Alonso belongs, the place the followers love him — and he’ll definitely have enjoyable hitting behind Juan Soto.”
It stays to be seen when the signing of such a contract may very well be introduced by the Mets or a unique membership.
