MIAMI — Pete Alonso’s Mets future will undoubtedly be a high priority item on the team’s agenda this offseason, especially with the arrival of a new president of baseball operations.
But any thought that the All-Star first baseman and the Mets are in agreement on any terms of a new contract appears misguided.
Mets general manager Billy Eppler on Wednesday, in a text message to reporters, denied a report that indicated the team and player were “on the same page” financially on a new deal, but remained apart on contract length.
The report by SI.com stated that Alonso was seeking a 10-year deal.
“While we understand the media and public interest in player contract situations, we strongly believe in keeping those conversations private,” Eppler said. “Any circulating reports do not accurately reflect our conversations with Pete.”
The 29-year-old Alonso, who can become a free agent after next season, was discussed in trade talks with the Brewers before the Aug. 1 deadline, according to a source.
The Mets and Pete Alonso are keeping their contract negotiations to themselves. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POSTBut it’s unclear how close any deal actually came to materializing.
A report from The Athletic last month indicated the Brewers thought they were “within field-goal range” of acquiring Alonso.
David Stearns last week was hired as the Mets’ new president of baseball operations — he will start his new job after the regular season concludes — and will be tasked with deciding on how to proceed with Alonso.
“Whoever is ultimately making the decisions in the front office on the personnel, for me that doesn’t necessarily affect my job and my ability to go and compete every day,” Alonso said before the Mets faced the Marlins on Wednesday.
Alonso entered play tied for second in MLB with 45 homers.
Overall, he owned a .221/.325/.521 slash line with 112 RBIs. He has been an All-Star three times in five seasons.
Alonso’s bat isn’t in question the same way Jacob deGrom’s arm was. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST“I just want to concentrate on my ability to come and compete every day,” Alonso said. “I want to dedicate my focus to being the best player I can be. The offseason I will put more focus on [the contract situation], but for me the ultimate priority is getting ready for the game and competing.”
The Mets under Steve Cohen’s ownership have already shown a willingness to let an elite talent leave through free agency.
Last winter the Mets extended Jacob deGrom a three-year offer in the $115 million neighborhood.
But the two-time Cy Young award winner ultimately departed after receiving an offer of five years and $185 million from the Rangers.
But whereas there were questions about deGrom’s elbow — he has since undergone Tommy John surgery with the Rangers and won’t return until late next season at the earliest — Alonso’s bat hasn’t shown signs of slowing, with three seasons of at least 40 homers in five years.
In addition, Alonso has become a face of the team, along with Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor.
Nimmo and Lindor are locked up to deals with the Mets that run through 2030 and ’31 respectively.
“I love it here, I love New York,” Alonso said. “It’s been such a blessing and an honor to be part of this organization, and New York doesn’t feel like home, because it is home. New York for my family and I, it just means so much. Citi Field is a great place to play. The fans are super passionate and care so much, and the whole city of New York has been super-welcoming to my family and me. It’s been nothing short of an honor.”







