The New York Mets and first baseman Pete Alonso have yet to make headway on a contract. Alonso may be attempting to change that.
MLB Network analyst Jim Duquette reported that Alonso’s camp has made an offer to the Mets. The deal would be for three years with opt-outs, and, according to Duquette, the Mets are the only team to receive this offer.
Such a deal had been predicted earlier this week. Team owner Steve Cohen is reportedly open to a short-term contract at a high dollar amount to fill any openings on the roster. Although shifting corner infielder Mark Vientos to first on a full-time basis is a possibility, Alonso has more of a track record as a run producer.
While Alonso had a productive year at the plate, there are several red flags. He produced a .240/.329/.459 batting line over 695 plate appearances, hitting 34 homers and 31 doubles. While he set a career high in doubles, Alonso had his fewest home runs, drove in his fewest runs (88) and had his lowest slugging percentage of any non-pandemic year in the majors. Teams may be leery of signing Alonso to a long-term deal due to his declining production and lack of defensive flexibility.
Alonso also does not have many options left. The Yankees, who were expected to make a run at Alonso if outfielder Juan Soto signed elsewhere, added Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year contract. The Astros and Diamondbacks filled their vacancies at first with other options. While a return to the Mets is not a given, that may be the best option for both parties.
Alonso has reportedly made a contract offer to the New York Mets. Maybe this will jumpstart his market.
