MLB Network analyst Jim Duquette seems to have some inside information about the free-agency saga involving first baseman Pete Alonso and the New York Mets.
Duquette recently suggested that Mets owner Steve Cohen “may have to eventually jump in” regarding negotiations between Alonso’s camp and Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. It sounds like Cohen won’t be doing that anytime soon.
“According to league sources, Stearns and the Mets are holding the line on both the length and dollars of their short-term offer, which includes an opt-out after the first year,” SNY MLB insider Andy Martino said on Wednesday. “The exact dollar figure is not known. Owner Steve Cohen is fully supportive of Stearns’ approach, according to sources with direct knowledge of his thinking.”
Martino noted that the Mets do want Alonso back for the 2025 season “and hope for a quick resolution.” However, Martino also echoed previous reports and said that New York could move 2024 breakout star Mark Vientos from third base to first and then give youngsters such as Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna opportunities at third base this spring. Additionally, Martino thinks the Mets could bolster their current lineup by re-signing free-agent outfielder and 2024 clubhouse favorite Jesse Winker.
On paper, the likes of Baty, Acuna and Winker don’t serve as the type of lineup protection fans have envisioned for All-Star outfielder Juan Soto. Per StatMuse, Alonso hit the second-most home runs in all of MLB (226) from 2019-24. It’s also worth mentioning that the “Polar Bear” is beloved among paying customers who are starting to wonder if Alonso is actually wanted back by those running the Mets.
Duquette and others have pointed out that Stearns has no real reason to bid against himself after other teams addressed first base via other moves earlier this offseason.
“There just aren’t many fits here at a high price point, even at that three-year, $90M to $100M level,” ESPN’s David Schoenfield said on Wednesday morning. “Maybe a surprise team jumps in on a short-term deal with an opt-out, but in the end, it still feels like the Mets. A $100M-plus deal seems doubtful, but New York is where Alonso belongs, where the fans love him — and he’ll certainly have fun hitting behind Juan Soto.”
It remains to be seen when the signing of such a contract could be announced by the Mets or a different club.
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