The Mets are set to begin Grapefruit League action in Florida this weekend. But everyone is already thinking about Pete Alonso’s pending free agency at the end of the 2024 season.
Both the Mets and the star first baseman have expressed interest in a deal, but all signs are pointing to the homegrown star not signing an extension before next winter.
At least one person with the Mets — the most important one — wants to keep Alonso around.
Speaking on the ‘Meet at the Apple’ podcast on Friday, owner Steve Cohen said: “We want to keep him. He’s an important part of our team today and hopefully in the future.”
“We’re always open to conversation, but he’s earned the right to explore his value,” Cohen said. “I’m highly supportive of all players doing that. Just like we ended up figuring it out with Edwin Díaz and Brandon Nimmo, it would be my hope that we do the same with Pete.”
The Mets selected Alonso in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft and the slugger has spent all five of his major league seasons in Queens. Last month, the two parties avoided arbitration after agreeing to a $20.5 million contract for 2024.
With the end of his deal on the horizon, the 29-year-old said last week he’s “been sitting back and listening” in regards to his approach to free agency. He also expressed his “love” playing with the Mets.
“I love it here,” Alonso said. “I definitely have envisioned myself being a lifelong Met, that’s something I’ve definitely thought about. … I welcome the idea, but I can’t predict the future.”
The Mets failed to reach the postseason in 2023 but Alonso had success at the plate throughout the season. He slashed .217/.318/.504 with 46 home runs and 108 RBIs last season. He’s hit 40 or more homers three times in his five-year career (2019, 2022-23).
The star’s free agency has been talked about frequently by Mets fans on social media. They hope they’ll have a chance to keep the slugger in Queens for years to come.
“I’m not tone deaf, OK,” Cohen said. “I totally understand the fans’ love of Pete. I can’t predict the future. I don’t know what their expectations are, and we’ll find out. The reality is there’s never one player that makes a team, that’s why they call it a team. We’ve got to do what’s in the best interest of the club over any one player.
“I hope he hits 55 home runs and makes it so difficult on me in free agency. I would call that a great outcome.”
