Pete Alonso was practically the elephant in the room at the New York Mets’ Amazin’ Day at Citi Field on Saturday. As Mets owner Steve Cohen took the stage for a panel discussion, the crowd couldn’t help but make their feelings clear. Cohen was asked about Alonso’s future with the team—given that the homegrown star and free-agent first baseman’s situation is up in the air.

The fans started chanting, “Let’s Sign Pete! Let’s sign Pete! Let’s sign Pete!” It didn’t stop there, though. The chant quickly morphed into a raucous “Pete Al-on-so!”. Cohen, ever the good sport, responded with a grin and a bit of humor: “Hold that for the end, OK?” When Steve Cogen talks, everyone listens and so the chants for Alonso stopped, but the Mets owner gave a sharp response afterwards as his agent chimed in too.

Scott Boras defends his client Pete Alonso

Mets owner Steve Cohen didn’t sugarcoat things when addressing Pete Alonso’s contract situation during Saturday’s Amazin’ Day festivities. “We made a significant offer to Pete,” Cohen said according to The Athletic, confirming that the team had put a big deal on the table. “He’s entitled to explore his market. That’s what he is doing.”

But it wasn’t all sunshine and roses—Cohen made it clear that this entire negotiation has been far from easy, even admitting, “Personally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation. I mean, Soto was tough — this is worse.”

Pete Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, wasn’t shy about defending his client’s position, offering a clear rebuttal to Steve Cohen’s frustrations. “Pete’s free-agent contract structure requests are identical to the standards and practices of other clubs who have signed similarly situated qualifying-offer/all-star level players,” Boras said. “Nothing different. Just established fairness standards.”

In other words, Boras is asserting that the terms Alonso is seeking aren’t out of line with what other top-tier players have received.

If Pete Alonso isn’t in the picture, the Mets are ready to get creative at first base

Given Alonso’s uncertain future, team executives earlier this month told Brett Baty and Mark Vientos to begin playing third base in order to keep their options open. The Mets may rely on Vientos to fill in at first if necessary because he emerged as their main third baseman last season, surpassing Baty in the process.

Although Vientos’ defensive skills have improved, scouts have pointed out that he still has potential to develop and that his versatility in the minor leagues, especially playing first base, may be quite useful. The change in position is not being taken lightly by Swaggy V. “I love playing third base, but right now my main focus is, ‘What can I do for us to get to the World Series and win a championship?’” he said. “That’s what I want.”

The drive and mindset are there, and if Alonso’s future with the Mets remains in limbo, The 25-year-old’s willingness to adapt could become a key factor in the team’s 2024 plans. The Mets have options, but it’s clear that their ultimate goal is bringing a championship to Queens, no matter who’s playing first.