The New York Mets are facing unexpected hurdles in their contract discussions with star first baseman Pete Alonso. According to team owner Steve Cohen, these negotiations are proving to be “worse” than the recent acquisition of superstar Juan Soto.
The Setting: Mets’ Amazin’ Day
During a panel discussion at the Mets’ Amazin’ Day event held at Citi Field, Cohen shared his insights alongside general manager David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza. Legendary broadcaster Gary Cohen moderated the session. As fans eagerly anticipated news regarding Alonso, they erupted into a chant of “We want Pete!” highlighting their desire for the free agent to remain with the team.
Cohen’s Response to Fans
With a smile, Cohen addressed the crowd’s enthusiasm, asking them to hold their questions for the end of the discussion. The excitement around Alonso, who has been with the Mets since being drafted in 2016, is palpable. He is a fan favorite, having set a rookie record with 53 home runs in his debut season and earning four All-Star selections.
Challenges in Negotiations
Despite Alonso’s impressive track record, including 226 career home runs and a solid .854 OPS, the Mets have struggled to finalize a deal. Cohen revealed that while they have made a significant offer, Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, is exploring other options in the market. Cohen candidly expressed his frustration, stating, “This has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation. I mean, Soto was tough. This is worse.”
Understanding the Soto Comparison
Cohen’s reference to the Soto negotiations provides context for the current climate. The Mets successfully acquired Soto with a record-breaking contract, surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s previous record. However, Cohen believes the structures being proposed in Alonso’s negotiations are unfavorable, describing them as “highly asymmetric against us.”
Financial Considerations
Cohen’s transparency about the financial implications of Alonso’s potential contract is noteworthy. He emphasized the challenge of fitting Alonso into an already expensive roster that includes other marquee players. “I don’t like the negotiations, I don’t like what’s been presented to us,” Cohen admitted. He also noted that while he remains open to options, the current situation may require the Mets to move forward with their existing roster.
Support from the Team
Cohen’s honesty resonated with fans, who responded with applause. Stearns echoed Cohen’s sentiments, reaffirming the team’s affection for Alonso. Reports indicate that the Mets have a substantial offer on the table, estimated between $68-70 million, but Alonso reportedly turned down a deal exceeding $70 million when factoring in deferred payments.
Potential Competition for Alonso
As the negotiations continue, Alonso has drawn interest from other teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, although no imminent deal has surfaced. The Mets remain hopeful for a resolution that allows them to retain their star first baseman as they aim for a competitive future.
In conclusion, while the Mets are actively pursuing enhancements to their roster, the situation with Alonso underscores the complexities of player negotiations in professional sports. As fans rally behind their beloved first baseman, the Mets organization is navigating the fine line between financial feasibility and team loyalty.
