Mets’ Pete Alonso Sends Warning to Steve Cohen on Free Agency Situation

The New York Mets almost allowed Pete Alonso to walk in free agency just a year ago. For whatever reason, the Mets’ home run king could have been on a different roster. 

The Mets have made some questionable decisions throughout much of their existence, but for the most part, David Stearns and Steve Cohen have done what they’ve needed to do. For Alonso, however, that free agency saga will happen once again this winter. Alonso is expected to opt out of his contract. With 28 home runs and the third most RBIs in baseball (96), he should get paid this time around. 

Despite the expectation around Major League Baseball for Alonso to get the money that he’s looking for, it all comes down to what the Mets want to do. When speaking about the situation, Alonso even called out the front office, saying that Cohen and Stearns have to come through if they want him back. 

“I have a goal to play baseball until I’m through my age 40 season,” Alonso said, according to The Athletic’s Tyler Kepner. “And for me, I’m gonna work hard and do that. And you know what? Business side, Steve (Cohen) and David (Stearns), they’ve got to come through.”

What Will the Mets Do With Pete Alonso?

It remains uncertain what the New York Mets might have to give Alonso on the open market. Depending on the number of years, the total could exceed $100 million. Some think that he’s worth about $20 to $25 million AAV on a long-term deal, which is more than fair considering his power numbers have rivaled nearly every player in baseball since he made his debut. Alonso has also been with the Mets through some dark times and admitted that.

“Yeah, for sure,” Alonso said. “For me, I love the city of New York, I love this fan base, it’s been great. But, again, the business is the business side if they choose to go in another direction. But for me, it’s been an absolute treat and pleasure here. This group is really special. This group was one of the biggest reasons why I came back.

“Not only was it the talent, but the people here. Not just on the team, the coaching staff, all the people here that work in the clubhouse, the front office, and obviously the training room. I mean, we’ve just got an incredible group here that has a great purpose. It’s been great playing here — but, yeah, I hope it doesn’t end.”

Does New York Value Pete Alonso?

Last offseason, it was obvious that the New York Mets didn’t value Alonso the way that many were expecting them to. In their defense, Alonso didn’t exactly have the hottest market in the league from other teams, either. 

From the Mets’ perspective, there wasn’t much of a reason to give him the money he was looking for if no other team wanted to. However, there are some other comments from Mets staff members, including Carlos Mendoza, that show the value he brings to the team. If they genuinely believe what Mendoza said, there’s no reason why Cohen and Stern shouldn’t get a long-term deal done.

“Since day one, what I’ve seen from him is a guy that cares so much about winning, cares so much about his teammates and the organization,” said manager Carlos Mendoza, who said the night moved him to tears.

“You appreciate (that) he posts. That’s something, as a manager, you don’t have to worry about who’s playing first base and who’s hitting the middle of your lineup. I think it goes back to understanding what it takes to play here.”

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