Jun 23, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) wipes rain from his hair against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies
(Queens, NY) – As the New York Mets embark on a key offseason – the first under president of baseball operations David Stearns – one of the biggest question marks is: what happens next for Pete Alonso.
He was mentioned in trade rumors during the past trade deadline, and the 28-year-old is one-year away from entering free agency. Some have speculated that the Mets could look to trade Alonso this offseason, given the full-year of team control remaining on his contract, and the ability to potentially get back a haul of prospects or young pitchers.
Appearing on MLB Network from the winter GM Meetings, Stearns said he’ll be in talks with Alonso’s camp: “We’re going to have those conversations. I’m generally of the mind that I try to keep those conversations out of the public dialogue. I’d like to have those conversations behind closed doors. I think they’re most productive that way.”
Alonso is now represented by mega-agent Scott Boras – who is known for encouraging his clients to test free agency. But Boras addressed the fact he recently met with Stearns, per SNY, the agent and Mets’ president got together to chat about “philosophies and ideologies.” He also apparently told Stearns that, “when it comes to the Polar Bear, we are not in contract hibernation.” Boras also mentioned his client’s strengths, such as power, durability, and an earnest desire to improve defensively at first base.
It’s also worth noting that Stearns spoke to the Alonso situation during his introductory press conference back on October 2. “I know over the summer there was some trade speculation, and look I’ll just say I expect Pete to be the Opening Day first baseman next year,” Stearns said then. “Pete’s an important member of this team, he’s an important member of this organization, and I think we’re really fortunate to have him.”
Many Mets fans will agree – and few would publicly admit a desire to see him wearing a different uniform.
