Pete Alonso Considering Other Options As Negotiations With Mets Stall With GM David Sterns Playing Hardball

Contract negotiations between the New York Mets and first baseman Pete Alonso are reportedly deteriorating as General Manager David Stearns holds his ground on a short-term offer. The team is actively considering next steps in the event that Alonso walks away.

League-wide interest in Alonso is less fervent than many expected, which has given the Mets more leverage in negotiations. Though it is unclear exactly what their offer is, the deal on the table reportedly contains an opt-out clause after one year. Total compensation would likely be less than $200 million.

The team is clearly intent on keeping the All-Star first baseman while managing the risk of decline. There are several other teams interested in Alonso, but none have any reported interest in giving Alonso and agent Scott Boras the long-term contract they are asking for.

Alonso’s 2024 season, which could have convinced teams to take more interest when he hit free agency, was a mixed bag. He hit .240 with 34 home runs in the regular season, providing his typical power but struggling immensely in key moments. 

That narrative flipped on its head in Game 3 of the N.L. Wild Card against the Brewers, when he hit a season-saving three-run home run off closer Devin Williams to lead the Mets to the NLDS. He continued to hit well throughout the Mets’ surprise playoff run to the NLCS. At age 30, he is generally considered to be one of the best sluggers in baseball, but his days at first base are generally considered to be running short. Further regression at the plate is also concerning for many teams.

Mets owner Steve Cohen is reportedly supporting Stearns in negotiations, favoring the cost-efficient approach to Alonso over a more heavy-handed solution. Since shelling out to secure slugging outfielder Juan Soto with a record-breaking $765 contract earlier this off-season, Cohen and Stearns have since embraced more nuanced options to cultivate a well-rounded 2025 roster.

On Thursday, the same day that negotiations with Alonso were reported to be deteriorating, the Mets re-signed outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker to a one-year, $7.5 million deal. Coming to terms with Winker allows the team to free up roster space elsewhere. New York has reportedly been considering ways to trade outfielder Starling Marte for bullpen pieces. Free agent lefthander Tanner Scott has also been named as a key target.

If Alonso doesn’t return to Queens in 2025, third baseman Mark Vientos is expected to try and make the transition across the diamond. In his first full season with the team, the 25-year-old proved himself as one of the league’s most talented young hitters while making smaller strides in the field. Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña could all take reps at third to replace Vientos.

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