Does anyone know what’s happening with Pete Alonso and the Mets? It looks like not, and even the Mets’ new $75 million signing Sean Manaea is clueless. Manaea’s three-year, $75 million deal with the Mets is just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a thrilling offseason in Queens. But it’s not just about new teammates, but also about the connections Manaea’s already building. 

The Mets pitcher has been sweating it out at a gym in Tampa with none other than Pete Alonso, the former Mets’ polarizing slugger who’s still a free agent. The two have been putting in the work, sharing laughs, and no doubt scheming about what it’ll take to get back to October baseball. So, while the Mets have already made some major moves, Manaea is hopeful the front office isn’t done just yet. 

Sean Manaea is all in on the idea of Pete Alonso returning to the Mets 

It’s clear from his words—and the gym sessions they’ve shared—that Sean Manaea’s got nothing but love and support for his powerful teammate. “I’m always gonna support him,” Manaea said when asked about Alonso’s ongoing contract negotiations., adding, “I’d definitely love to have him back on the Mets and be our first baseman. Hopefully, we can get that done, but whatever happens, I’ll be happy for him.”  

The two have been putting in work together at Diesel Optimization in Tampa, where Manaea jokingly noted that Alonso’s commitment to the grind is hard to miss. “He shows up earlier than I do,” Manaea laughed. It’s that kind of work ethic that makes Alonso such a beloved figure in Queens, and Manaea is clearly picking up on the intensity of his new teammate’s preparation. Even though Sean Manaea is excited to see Alonso return to the orange and blue, he recognizes that baseball is a business, and he will eventually support Alonso wherever he ends up. 

The family-oriented vibe that owner Steve Cohen and his wife Alex have cultivated 

The Mets’ outfield just became much more dynamic after Soto signed a staggering $765 million contract that would keep him there for the next 15 years. Having shared a dugout with Soto following his trade to San Diego at the 2022 deadline, Manaea is accustomed to his electrifying presence. Additionally, it’s evident from Manaea’s comments about his new teammate that the southpaw is as thrilled about Soto’s possible contribution to the team as the supporters are. 

When Sean Manaea decided to sign with the New York Mets this offseason, it wasn’t just about the money or the team’s potential. It was about the sense of family that drew him in, much like it did for his new teammate, Juan Soto. “I thought it was a perfect fit,” Manaea said. “I know Talat, my wife now, she loved it on the family side, as well.” That family-first atmosphere pulled Manaea and his wife, who felt an immediate sense of belonging. 

The 32-year-old had signed two one-year deals in the past. First, with San Francisco ($25 million) and then with the Mets ($28 million), each time opting out to test the free-agent waters. But this time, he didn’t need to look around. Staying with the Mets was always his first choice. Juan Soto, who joined the Mets this winter on his historic 15-year, $765 million deal, had expressed similar feelings. The family-oriented vibe that owner Steve Cohen and his wife Alex have developed was a key factor in Soto’s decision to take his talents to Queens.