The New York Mets are well aware of Pete Alonso’s slugging skills. No matter what curveball offer Steve Cohen throws at him, the slugger keeps hitting them out of the park. The recent reports suggest there is a significant gap between what the two parties want. Alonso could be the final piece of the puzzle for Cohen, who is building a team that can end their World Series drought, but are they willing to fork out the big bucks for another player this season?

The Mets have already acquired Juan Soto in the biggest deal in sports history in a move that seems in line with Cohen’s ambition. When he took over the franchise in November 2020, he had one goal in mind. “If I don’t win a World Series in the next three to five years — I would like to make it sooner — then obviously I would consider that slightly disappointing. … I’m not in this to be mediocre. I want something great,” he said in his introductory press conference. To achieve greatness and fulfill his desire, Cohen may have to give Alonso more than what is on the table currently.

Carlos Barega reported that the Mets have offered Alonso a three-year, $90 million deal with opt-outs after each season. However, there is a belief that this offer undervalues one of the most consistent power hitters in baseball. According to Sal Licata from WFAN Sports Radio, this offer not only gives the Mets little chance to sign Alonso but could hurt their plans for Soto.

Alonso has been the heart of the Mets’ offense since his rookie season, slugging 192 home runs in five years and consistently ranking among the league leaders in RBIs. With Soto now anchoring the outfield, Alonso’s presence as a cleanup hitter becomes even more critical. A Soto-Alonso tandem would force opposing pitchers into difficult situations, but without Alonso, Soto could face fewer pitches to hit.

Sal said, “The Mets are playing a dangerous game of chicken with Pete Alonso. Bottom line is this: you can say that all the first basemen are off the board and the Mets have the leverage now, but who is going to replace Pete Alonso in that lineup? Who is going to protect Juan Soto? I’m all ears because I don’t see any answers.

Outside of a trade, who is going to be the bat to protect Juan Soto? You can’t just say Juan Soto is in, so the offense is better… it’s supposed to be Juan Soto plus Pete Alonso. Plus, they still need a DH.”

The timing couldn’t be worse for the Mets. Most top-tier first basemen are off the free-agent board, leaving limited alternatives if Alonso decides to explore the open market. While the Mets may believe they hold leverage in a soft market, Licata warned that pushing Alonso too far risks creating resentment.

This also means losing key protection for their prized asset Soto in the middle of the lineup. Alonso could provide legitimate protection for Soto since he’s been one of the top sluggers since his MLB debut. His 226 home runs rank second since 2019, behind only Aaron Judge. Besides this, the Mets need another starting corner infielder to pair with Mark Vientos, who will likely remain at his natural position of third base.

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This will lead to an opening at first, where the Mets only have Minor League signing Joey Meneses. Bringing in Alonso would solve a big problem, given his familiarity with the setup.

Reportedly, Alonso is seeking a contract in excess of $150 million, which means the Mets’ current valuation is way off. Both Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns have shown an interest in resigning Alonso, even hinting that if needed the money will be available to complete a deal, but so far it seems they are not meeting his demands of a bumper contract. According to Sal, playing hard ball may backfire for the Mets.

“Right now, the market is crap. But that doesn’t mean that Pete Alonso is upset or insulted or hurt by how the Mets are operating. If the Mets did offer him three years at $90 million, that is borderline disrespectful…if all things are equal, and someone will eventually say that the price has come down on Alonso and get involved, and maybe Pete says ‘screw you Mets, you had your chance, but I’m out of here,’” he said.

Alonso has exceeded 30 home runs in each of the past four years and retaining a homegrown talent like Alonso should be a priority, especially for a franchise aiming to contend. If the Mets are banking on a depressed market to drive Alonso’s price down, they’re taking a significant risk—both in potentially losing a key player and in harming their reputation with players and fans alike.

Alonso’s agent Scott Boras is another key player in the game. Boras is known for getting his players big deals as seen in the case of Soto, but will he be able to pull off the same trick for Alonso? Boras is looking to drive the price for his client, but with Alonso having recently turned 30 and having a declining OPS in three consecutive years, is he doing the right thing by playing the waiting game? You only have to look at how things panned out for Jordan Montgomery.

MLB Trade Rumors pegged Montgomery’s impending deal at 6 years, $150 million after a fabulous season with the Rangers. He and Boras waited until the second day of the regular season to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks in a one-year, $25 million deal with a vesting option.

If Montgomery pitches as expected, he will make $50 million over two years; but if he gets injured and cannot make at least 18 starts, the vesting option is only for $20 million. While the $25 million is what many expected he would make, he has $100 million less in guaranteed money than predicted.

So you can understand where the Mets are coming from. Are there any more teams even lining up for Alonso?

What if Pete Alonso says no to the Mets?

If Pete Alonso rejects the Mets’ offer, his options could be lucrative, as several teams would line up to acquire his elite power and offensive consistency. Alonso could test free agency, where teams like the Giants, Cubs, and Mariners might aggressively pursue him. These clubs have clear needs for a middle-of-the-lineup bat and the financial flexibility to meet his asking price. Alternatively, he could land with a contender like the Dodgers or Rangers, organizations unafraid to invest heavily in star players. Teams with designated hitter needs could also offer Alonso flexibility while maximizing his offensive contributions.

Another viable route could involve exploring a trade during the season if the Mets attempt to recoup value before losing him outright. Contending teams in need of a postseason push could overpay in prospects to acquire Alonso midseason. This option would allow him to showcase his value in a playoff environment, boosting his market further ahead of free agency. Regardless of how he navigates his next move.

In essence, if Pete Alonso rejects the Mets’ offer, he has multiple paths to secure a lucrative deal while maintaining his elite status in the league. Whether through free agency or a potential trade, his value as a power hitter ensures he won’t lack suitors. The Mets must act wisely, or they risk losing a cornerstone player with no easy replacement.