Mets Hesitant to Offer Pete Alonso Contract Beyond Three Years
The New York Mets are currently assessing the future of their first baseman, Pete Alonso, as he enters free agency for the second consecutive offseason. Alonso opted out of a two-year contract with the Mets last month. His rise to free agency has prompted discussions among interested teams at the ongoing Winter Meetings in Orlando.
Mets’ Hesitation on Long-Term Deal for Alonso
As the offseason progresses, the Mets seem hesitant to offer Alonso a contract exceeding three years. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand noted that the team may be cautious about extending a long-term deal despite Alonso’s consistent power-hitting capabilities.
Alonso’s Recent Season Performance
- Alonso had a solid season at the plate, surpassing his performance from the previous year.
- He recorded a notable decrease in strikeouts and improvement in batted-ball quality.
- However, his defensive ratings saw a decline, with Defensive Runs Saved and Statcast’s Outs Above Average marking him at minus-9.
While Alonso is open to more designated hitter opportunities, it appears that this does not incentivize the Mets to secure him for an age-34 season or later.
Current MLB Market Trends
The first-base market has shifted, with teams hesitant to heavily invest in players with limited on-base percentage (OBP) skills, even if they possess considerable power. Alonso is a prime example of this trend. His typical walk rate hovers between 9-10%, with an OBP around league average. This limits his appeal in a market that favors players with strong defensive skills and plate discipline.
Mets Payroll and Future Outlook
The Mets, with a projected payroll of $278 million for next season, are not under immediate financial constraints. Their obligations will decrease significantly in the coming years:
| Year | Projected Payroll | CBT Obligations |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $278M | $278M |
| 2027 | $176M | $181M |
| 2028 | $134M | N/A |
Looking ahead, by 2029, only players like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor will have guaranteed contracts. Despite these favorable financial projections, the Mets’ reluctance to commit to Alonso long-term raises questions about their true interest.
Conclusion
While there remains a possibility for Alonso’s return to the Mets, the situation appears more inclined toward a one-year deal or a shorter contract. Past indications suggested a preference for short-term agreements, which seems to remain the case as the offseason unfolds.
