Just days ago, it seemed Pete Alonso and the Mets were heading for an inevitable breakup. Steve Cohen’s frustration with negotiations, combined with Scott Boras’ firm $100 million demand, created a standoff that felt impossible to resolve. The Mets weren’t willing to budge, Alonso wasn’t backing down, and with other teams lurking, a final split felt almost obvious.

But things might have taken a surprising turn now. Talks between Alonso and the Mets are back on, and Cohen, despite his vocal outrage, is back in the mix. MLB insiders like Jeff Passan still believe the Mets need Alonso, and with free agency options drying up, the conversation has changed. Is this a sign that a deal is still possible, or just another chapter in a drawn-out standoff?

From a broken deal to a quick reconnection

The Mets initially made a powerful push to retain Pete Alonso, however, negotiations fell apart. Their offer, around $70 million for three years, was not enough. With Scott Boras guiding the talks, Pete Alonso held firm on a $100 million demand. However, the gap was too large to bridge. Cohen’s frustration started boiling over, making it look like the Mets were ready to move on. “Personally, this has been an exhausting interaction and negotiation. I mean, Soto was tough, this is worse,” Cohen admitted.

So, what changed? It could be the market itself. If no team was ready to agree to Alonso’s price, both sides could have realized a reunion made the most sense. Another possibility? Public pressure. Alonso remains a fan favorite and Cohen could face the backlash if the team lost him without a real effort. As Jon Heyman noted, “If they are talking again after what Cohen said on Saturday, to me, it means they had to start with Boras and Alonso, going back to the Mets and saying, could be we can take some of this language out that really offended Cohen.”

Is this a real attempt to make a deal or just a last-minute move? Either way, the Alonso saga isn’t over yet.

What is plan B for Pete Alonso?

Pete Alonso‘s future has become uncertain after initially rejecting the New York Mets. Despite his 226 home runs since 2019, Alonso’s value is challenged. With more players hitting 30 and 40 home runs in a season, the market for power hitters might have diluted. MLB insiders, like, Sal Licata believe Alonso could have no better deals on the table.

In addition, Alonso’s defense at first base has been a liability, making it even tougher for teams to give him a large contract. Other teams, like, the Toronto Blue Jays, are reportedly unwilling to match the Mets’ offer. The current market suggests Alonso’s 2024 hopes of securing above $200 million deal are unrealistic. Instead, he could be forced to sign a one-year deal, prove his value, and hope to reestablish his marketability.

However, if Pete Alonso does not return to the Mets, the team has multiple options. Mark Vientos, who is interested in moving to first base, could become the primary choice. He could work with 3B Brett Baty. In addition, the Mets could recruit free-agent Jesse Winker at first base. The team can also transform some young talents, like, Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio, to fill in. However, this is also true that none of these moves would provide the same level of proven power and run protection that Alonso offers.

The Mets’ renewed talks with Pete Alonso highlight transforming dynamics, as market situation and public pressure push them toward a potential deal. Do you think the good news of the reunion will come to us soon?