MLB Community 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 just lately urged that Mets proprietor Steve Cohen “could must finally soar in” relating to 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 keeping 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 12 months,” SNY MLB insider Andy Martino mentioned on Wednesday. “The precise greenback determine is just not recognized. Proprietor Steve Cohen is absolutely supportive of Stearns’ strategy, in line with sources with direct data of his considering.”
Martino famous that the Mets do need Alonso again for the 2025 season “and hope for a fast decision.” Nonetheless, 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 kids equivalent to 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 house runs in all of MLB (226) from 2019-24. It is also price mentioning that the “Polar Bear” is beloved amongst paying prospects who are beginning to surprise if Alonso is truly wished again by these operating the Mets.
Duquette and others have identified that Stearns has no actual motive to bid towards himself after different groups addressed first base through different strikes earlier this offseason.
“There simply aren’t many matches right here at a excessive value level, even at that three-year, $90M to $100M degree,” ESPN’s David Schoenfield mentioned on Wednesday morning. “Possibly a shock workforce jumps in on a short-term cope with an opt-out, however ultimately, 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 actually have enjoyable hitting behind Juan Soto.”
It stays to be seen when the signing of such a contract might be introduced by the Mets or a distinct membership.
