A lot is cooking in Queens—starting with Juan Soto. The New York Mets star was supposed to be the difference maker, but so far, he has been silent. At least when it comes to smashing balls across the stands. Soto himself admitted that “I’m still not at the point that I want to be, but I’ve been feeling better little by little every day.” However, Mets fans didn’t want another Francisco Lindor, with a slow April start. They wanted an already hot player and they spent $765 million hence.

But apart from Soto struggling to find his rhythm, there is another concern that the fans have—Pete Alonso.

Citi Field fans almost lost the face of their franchise this offseason. But the fan pressure, with chants of “We want Pete” surrounding the air, found him back in the hot corner. But here is the catch—his future is still far from uncertain. And now even insiders like Jon Heyman are pointing it out.

Pete Alonso holds a player option for 2026. And most New York Mets fans know what this means—unless something changes, he is most likely to opt out and test free agency when the time comes. That’s why many are hoping that the front office makes a move now and hands him a long-term extension. But according to Jon Heyman, the Mets won’t likely engage in any serious contract extensions with Alonso this season.

“I don’t think we’re going to get news on that during the season. The Mets are at the top tax — the so-called ‘Steve Cohen’ luxury tax. 110%. Even Steve Cohen has limits,” Heyman said during a Bleacher Report livestream. Now, Alonso, who could command $35 million per year, represents a good amount of luxury tax hit if extended mid-season.

Hetman said, “If you give him a deal at $35 million per year now, you’re adding another $5 million this year, plus the tax. Even Steve Cohen has limits, so I don’t see that happening.” Moreover, the fact is that the Mets front office is also reportedly not interested in handing out long-term deals for players who are nearing their thirties. So, this is another major reason they might not get Pete Alonso for a long-term deal.

Meanwhile, while Juan Soto didn’t have a big day yet again on Wednesday when the Mets needed him most, he delivered in a completely different way.

Juan Soto’s game-saving throw helps the New York Mets

In the eighth inning of a tense 2-2 game against the Philadelphia Phillies, things looked like they might just unravel. With two outs and runners on, Max Kepler roped what looked like a go-ahead single into right field. Juan Soto charged in scooped it and launched a throw home. It wasn’t a perfect one and a little off-line too, but catcher Hayden Senger made a nice adjustment, reaching out and tagging Nick Castellanos before he could sneak in. Citi Field then erupted with cheers.

The throw marked Soto’s first outfield assist as a Met, and it was clutch. Even Carlos Mendoza was impressed, saying, “It was pretty good. Soto getting behind the ball and then Senger making sure he catches the baseball and then quickly applying the tag — but the one hope from Soto, just getting behind the ball and making that one hope throw, it was a well-executed play.” And then the team held on after that key defensive stand and pushed the game into extras.

Things got dicey when Edwin Diaz had to leave because of a hip cramp. Luckily, Max Kranick came in, and somehow, things got better. Starling Marte came through with a walk-off single to secure the win and the sweep. And so Soto, despite going just 1 for 4 with a strikeout, still ended up making an impact. And he was thrilled, saying, “It’s always great to have some role and play a part in the game. I’m trying my best to come through with the bat, but whenever that doesn’t come through, I have to do something else to help.” And he sure did! 

Well, this is what happens when a team doesn’t want to give up. But for sure Mets fans are waiting for Soto to get red-hot. Isn’t it?