The New York Mets made a huge splash this winter by signing outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking $765 million deal. Will president of baseball operations David Stearns re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso to protect Soto in the lineup?
Alonso's market hasn't fully formed, mostly because several teams who needed a first baseman have gone in different directions. Outside of the Mets, the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants and possibly the Texas Rangers are the only other squads that could have a serious need to fill at first base.
While Stearns and team owner Steve Cohen have publicly stated they'd like to retain Alonso, the organization also seems wary about bidding against itself in negotiations. Former big leaguer Carlos Baerga reported the Mets have offered a three-year, $90 million contract that includes multiple opt-outs.
Will New York ultimately find a middle ground with its four-time All-Star and homegrown slugger, or will Alonso eventually bolt for a new home in 2025 and beyond? Yardbarker's Colin Cerniglia thinks the right-handed hitter will stay in Queens.
"Other teams (New York Yankees and Houston Astros) have filled their first base needs. Despite rumors of his tension with the Mets, Alonso's heart and bat will stay in Queens," Cerniglia wrote.
Wherever Alonso signs, it'll be interesting to see what kind of financial guarantee he gets. Spotrac projects his market value at six years and $174 million. Although the first baseman reportedly rejected a seven-year, $158 million extension offer in June 2023, he may have to settle for much less this offseason.
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