As the spring training draws, one of the most surprising mysteries of the offseason trades remains unsolved: Pete Alonso’s future with the New York Mets! Once the undisputed face of the franchise is still a free agent despite the slugger’s consistent production from the plate. Several speculations and questions are swirling: Will the Mets re-sign their homegrown star, or have the cracks in their relationship already grown too deep to mend?

With the clock ticking and the new season around the corner, a reunion with the Mets seems to be the most realistic option for Pete. But is it good for both parties? WFAN sports studio host Sal Licata believes it isn’t! “I think at this point, too much damage has been done and I think it would be a mistake for both sides to bring Pete back,” he said. Bringing Pete back may not be the ideal case for either of them; the early stages of the negotiations were far from smooth, and this rift between the sides might have resulted in a scenario difficult to overcome.

Licata also suggests that Alonso’s performance and consistency have dropped miserably, given the last year was arguably the worst in his career. “He had no other options…and the Mets don’t have other options at this point,” Licata pointed out. “The Mets may want him, but they don’t really want him. I don’t think the Mets bringing back Pete Alonso is good for anybody.” The situation has been complicated, given the Mets owner Steve Cohen publicly criticized the state of the negotiations at the Amazin’ Day event last month.

While there was a possibility of Toronto Blue Jays signing Pete, their own financial limitations made it less likely. Now, for Pete, there is no other option left. But with so many questions lingering about the relationship’s future, both on and off the field, a reunion might not be the best option out there. Even if they ignore the past and come together, it would be hard for both parties to accept the fact that this deal is more out of necessity than genuine desire! What happens next remains to be seen.

Mets moving on from Pete: a sign of culture shift?

The New York Mets are amid complicated negotiations with their star player, Pete Alonso. However, these back-and-forth negotiations that might not turn out positively are signaling a deeper issue. If ultimately, the Mets part ways with Pete, they are indicating a cultural shift.

Pete Alonso, the undisputed face of the franchise for several years, has truly embodied what it means to be a Met! However, his recent performances haven’t been up to the mark, and there’s a sense that the Mets may not look up to him anymore. The Mets’ decision to move on from him could signal a new era where the team prioritizes consistency, discipline, and teamwork over individuality and one-player worship.

This change would also allow the Mets to be up to date and align themselves with the shift in direction of the MLB. A direction where speed, power, and balanced rosters are prioritized. The game is going under evolution, where teams are no longer relying on power alone or putting their stakes on home runs. By moving on from a powerful slugger like Pete, the Mets are positioning themselves to be more adaptable and hand-in-hand with the changing dynamics of modern-day sports.

All in all, it is up to the Mets to decide now. But it is evident that Alonso’s future is no more about the number he produces but about what type of team the New York Mets want to be!