As Pete Alonso's free agency drags on, any Mets fans holding out hope on the first baseman returning to Queens would appear to be reduced to prayer.
Thursday morning, Andy Martino of SNY reported the Mets' front office is poised to pivot to "Plan B," expecting Alonso to sign elsewhere after spending the first six years of his career in New York.
Thursday afternoon, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported the Mets offered Alonso a three-year contract "in the $68 million to $70 million range" before pivoting to Plan B when their offer was rejected.
The two sides are still far apart in negotiations, according to multiple reports this week, as Alonso is seeking more money than the Mets are willing to offer — even on a short-term contract. Sherman didn't have an exact number on Alonso's ask, but he noted its average annual value is "way beyond where the Mets were comfortable going."
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The offers for Alonso, a right-handed hitter, has not been as lucrative as hoped. He smashed 34 home runs last season and has hit 226 since his 2019 Rookie of the Year campaign with the Mets.
In December, the Mets finalized a record 15-year, $765 million contract with Juan Soto, giving them the most coveted middle-of-the-order bat on the free agent market. Thursday, they reunited with Jesse Winker on a deal that could be worth $9 million if he achieves certain incentives in the contract, per Sherman.
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Although Soto and Winker offer enough left-handed pop that the Mets might not miss Alonso's bat, he would leave an obvious hole at first base if he signs elsewhere.
According to Sherman, the Mets' current plan is to shift third baseman Mark Vientos to first, and have Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio vie for playing time at third base.
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Martino also reported that the Mets "have spoken with the Toronto Blue Jays this winter" about a possible trade involving Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but that would be a longshot at best.
Coincidentally, the Blue Jays were also linked to Alonso in one report this week. Guerrero could move off the position if Alonso signs with the Jays. The two players could also shuffle between first base and designated hitter to form a powerful middle of the batting order in Toronto.
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