Tired of the whole Pete Alonso-New York Mets fiasco? Well, it’s far from ending anytime soon. No matter what the Mets offer, Alonso throws it out. The team has been pursuing him since his 2023 season with no positive outcome because it does not reach his and Scott Boras’ $200 million mark. And with most first basemen getting signed by teams, third baseman Alex Bregman is a probable option for the Mets. But is the team ready to make those internal changes?

The Mets are trying to curate a super team this season with their star shortstop Francisco Lindor and signing Juan Soto. Given Alonso’s consistency (7.12% of home runs throughout his career), including him would definitely play in his favor. Plus, being a homegrown Mets player, there is an emotional connection. However, since the ‘Polar Bear’ became a free agent at the beginning of November, there have been continuous negotiations. Started by rejecting the Mets’ 7-year extension deal worth $158 million, he has reportedly turned down another $90 million deal for 3 years with an opt-out clause. But is it just because of his agent, Boras?

Considering that these are coming under Boras’ influence, the 2023 season was not like that. Alonso wanted to test his free agency, which has not been good so far. The Mets have a super card in their hold—Alex Bregman. With Scott Boras’ elongated negotiations with the Houston Astros, the team got impatient and signed Christian Walker on a 3-year deal—this makes Bregman available and a great defensive upgrade. 

With 242 assists, a major-league-leading 103 putouts, and a .972 fielding percentage, taking in this Gold Glove Award winner would require Mark Vientos to play first base. This possibility would pressure Pete to quicken his decision process. Interestingly, Christopher Kline of FanSided urged the Mets to go hard after Bregman in free agency, projecting a lineup featuring Bregman, Juan Soto, and Francisco Lindor, but not Alonso.

“The only real threat, on the surface, is Boston. The Red Sox have been linked to Bregman, but the Mets are far more ambitious in these parts. Steve Cohen has made it his personal goal to dominate free agency and wield his spending power over his MLB peers. Swiping Bregman from Boston’s grasp would be the cherry on top of a landmark offseason,” Kline said.

Bregman as the third baseman, with Mark Vientos taking over Alonso- that could conceivably be the best offensive and defensive alignment for New York to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League pennant. But imagine the team signing both players! Alonso is an elite home run hitter with 226 homers; Bregman is also not that bad with 191 homers throughout his career. Having two bats in the lineup would make a super team, but the rigidity complicates things; this leads to the question: could this backfire?

Top Comment by Kevin

Boring needs to get out the way, and let the Mets and Pete and go for this destiny dream team,...more

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Debate

Should Pete Alonso move along with some counter-strategy?

The rumors make it evident that Pete doesn’t only want money but security, too. $30 million AAV for 3 years did not seem worth it; he could’ve agreed to the 7-year extension deal. The spring training season is yet to start, and his market is still not going up as expected—lowering his expectations might bring along teams like the Chicago Cubs or Washington Nationals. And to be fair, there’s a chance; if the $90 million rumor is a fact, the homegrown star may feel disrespected.

So, this would mean the Mets signing in Alex Bregman, whose only alternative seems to be the Red Sox, where the team would need to change their lineup. But does that confirm ‘the Polar Bear’ not getting back with the Mets? Well, emotions are involved here, remember Aaron Judge? He denied a $400 million contract from the San Diego Padres and re-signed with the New York Yankees at $360 million for 9 years. So, if the Mets increase Pete’s contract years and if Pete could lower his valuation, there is still a midway. Also, it might ensure Pete Alonso retiring from his home team only. 

According to the Baseball Hut, Pete might not reach $200 million. Referring to Michael Confronto rejecting the Mets’ offer ($100 million for 5 years), the host shares how he missed out on the team reaching the 2022 post-season, the National League Championship Series the past season. Not to mention $20 million every year, given that he has signed a one-year deal worth $17 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Records show that right-handed hitters do not enjoy a highly-valued market, and hence, Pete should think rationally.

Someway or the other, the Mets are expected to sign one of Boras’ clients only, given it’s not an ideal world that they will sign both. Being a power hitter, the Polar Bear might have to retire before his 40s. After that, the Mets can include new players in their lineup. But before that happens, do you think they should come to terms with Alonso? Let us know in the comments below.