It has to be difficult taking at-bats and fielding ground balls while constantly wondering if they might be some of the last you’ll take for the team you’ve always known. That has been the reality for New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso for the past two years.
After re-signing on a two-year “pillow contract” that he quickly opted out of this winter, the five-time All-Star will now be looking for a longer commitment in free agency—something no team was willing to offer him a year ago.
Among Mets fans, opinions vary. Some dread the idea of their team losing Alonso, while others point to the slugger’s improved statistics from last year as a sign he could secure a better deal to stay in New York. However, the most important opinion belongs to Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who seemed perfectly comfortable letting Alonso walk last winter.
On Monday, USA Today insider Bob Nightengale was asked whether this offseason might be the time the Mets finally commit long-term to Alonso. He emphatically dismissed that idea, citing information from other top executives.
“Nope. David Stearns was ready to let Alonso walk last year,” Nightengale wrote. “Alonso had a monster year, but they still missed the playoffs, making it easier to walk away now. They are preaching defense—or, in the words of Stearns, ‘run prevention’—and are expected to let him depart unless he signs a deal they can’t turn down. GMs are predicting the perfect landing spot for Alonso may be the Boston Red Sox.”
In theory, the Mets could replace Alonso internally. Alternatively, if they’re willing to spend money but concerned about his defense, they might pursue Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman and shift Mark Vientos to first base.
Still, losing not only the team’s longest-standing star but also a guaranteed 40-homer threat would be a significant blow for the fan base. Alonso has achieved that milestone three times in his career.
It would be especially painful for Mets fans to see Alonso launching balls over the iconic Green Monster—particularly if this young Red Sox team evolves into a serious championship contender.
https://www.newsweek.com/mets-expected-to-turn-down-pete-alonso-reunion-per-insider-11021352
