MLB Execs Believe New York Mets Have Made a Decision on Pete Alonso
Is he staying or going?
First baseman Pete Alonso has emerged as a cornerstone franchise player for the New York Mets since bursting onto the MLB scene in 2019.
But Alonso is headed for a contract year next season, which has cranked up the speculation that he could be traded as opposed to being extended.
The Mets also talked to the Milwaukee Brewers about an Alonso trade at the trade deadline, but it never came to fruition.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports, several MLB executives believe Alonso will be traded this offseason.
"All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso is expected to be traded by the New York Mets this winter, several executives insist, after conversations with the Mets.
"The Mets have informed teams that anyone that isn’t under contract after 2024 will be available, and they have not come close to reaching a contract extension with Alonso in past years. He’s a free agent after the 2024 season.
“The fact that they had every opportunity to sign this guy, and didn’t, speaks volumes about his future,’’ on NL GM said.
Mets owner Steve Cohen was asked about the Alonso trade rumors after dissembling a team at the deadline with the highest payroll of all-time.
“We love him as a Met,” Cohen said. “He’s an integral part of the Mets. He’s still with us for another year and we hope we work things out. Even with [outfielder Brandon Nimmo], we worked things out in free agency. So hopefully we’ll get a few shots at the apple and try to figure it out.”
Here's what Alonso has had to say about the trade rumors:
“Whatever their plan is, like it really doesn’t necessarily matter to me because I’m here right now,” Alonso told reporters after the deadline. “I want to be the best player I can be right now and for as long as I’m here. That could be forever.”