It’s Polar Bear in the news again! The new contract rumors circulating with the Mets and Pete Alonso are making a stir among the fans. They are yet to see any fruitful closure with offers and counteroffers are only making the news. So what the fuss is all about? It’s all because Alonso is the biggest free agent currently available apart from Alex Bregman and fans would surely expect Alonso and the Mets to shake hands and continue their journey further. But again, will the deal happen or will it stay as a rumor only?

Alonso is an MLB veteran who has played only for the Mets in his career and with the performance he has offered in 2024, it was well expected that both will stay together. But that hasn’t happened yet, further making the fans impatient. See, Alonso has got the fans’ backing but the curveball that came from his end created a mixed reaction. Guess what! A deal offer is coming from the player’s end rather than the organization. Yes, Scott Boras, Alonso’s agent has made a counteroffer of a three-year deal with opt-outs and as per the rumors, the deal is exclusive to the Mets only. So, why is there a delay in signing Alonso considering he is offering to sign?

Alonso and the Mets, the never-ending tale of negotiation

Alonso has completed his 2024 season with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs. He has a 42% ground-ball rate, which is the highest in his career. However, the Mets are willing to have Alonso for a short-term deal, while Alonso is looking for a long-term one. Here, the reason for the Mets is the lack of consistency from Pete Alonso as he has been struggling to get to the base for the last two years, which also makes Alonso have an opt-out clause to judge the market value once his performance gets better. It is also evident in the fan forum as one fan said, “If he had a monster season then he leaves next year with opt-outs”. However, with all these, it is the fans’ patience that is getting tested here. What’s next then?

The rumor mills are on overdrive mode sharing newer details and as per reports, it might be Alonso’s willingness to stay with the Mets that ended up offering an all-exclusive offer. However, as the Mets are trying to get Alonso on a short-term deal to check his performance, then why not sign with opt-outs? Here again, if it’s fair for both entities, then why wait? As rightly shared by a Mets insider ‘The Mets Give Me Agita’, “If it’s fair, get it done already”.  

But, the big question is: Is there any place left for Alonso in the Mets this season?

Is Alonso a logical fit for the Mets?

This winter, the Mets surprised everyone by making the Juan Soto deal, and their batting lineup is further filled with Lindor, Vientos, and Nimmo. So, a power hitter is needed in the middle, and with Alonso still available, who can be the better option than him? Moreover, with the majority of the teams like the Yankees and the Astros already filled their first base, time is ticking for the Mets here. 

However, offering a long-term deal may be detrimental for the Mets considering they will lose the chance to land Vladimir Guerrero Jr. next season. In that case, opt-outs will be effective as shared by a fan, “Nah keep the opt-outs and bring Vlad Jr next year”. Then, it would be a better option for the Mets to sign Pete Alonso with opt-outs as options are limited to sign a marquee player like him. Also, the team formation for the Mets will be the best in that case with Soto and Alonso leading the batting is enough to make the opponents sweat. So, this deal will make sense for both the entities and fans will surely bet on this lineup for a bigger 2025 season. 

Do you think Alonso and the Mets should come together? Share your comments below.