In a turn of events, although quite predictable, it seems that the story of Pete Alonso and the New York Mets is about to end, with a rather bitter ending for the first baseman who is beginning to strip himself of the team’s jersey.
Gone is the famous offer that then Mets general manager Billy Eppler made to Alonso, who could have pocketed $158 million with a seven-year extension, after which he stayed with the team for one season, the final arbitration season, in which he earned $20.5 million. It was then that David Stearns made his appearance and everything became complicated for Alonso, who despite his offensive power and being the third all-time slugger for the franchise, cannot overcome the condition that condemns him, at least in the New York nine: being three decades old.
The New York Post published an exclusive report indicating from a source close to the club that the Mets left on the table a final offer to retain the player, a three-year contract for close to $70 million, which was rejected by the player and his agent Scott Boras.
The Mets already want to turn the page
The first thing they did in Queens was to add Jesse Winker for $7.5 million in a one-year deal – which could be worth up to $9 million – to strengthen an offense they hope will not disappoint, especially with the presence of their ‘crown jewel’, Dominican Juan Soto. In addition, another of their actions is to strengthen their bullpen by grabbing left-hander Tanner Scott
The Post’s source claims that there was even the possibility of negotiating further and raising the amount by a few million more if the player did not accept the termination conditions included in the offer, but in the face of the refusal there is nothing more to be done with him, although there is much to be done within their options available, as they will move Mark Vientos to first base and have Luis Angel Acuna, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio compete for the starting job at third base.
Pete Alonso’s options
Now Alonso has to establish a specific yardstick to negotiate with other franchises that know his potential, but do not have the economic power of the Mets, so he will surely have to lower his pretensions. One of them is the Toronto Blue Jays, where he could join forces with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., hoping that he will improve his numbers and leave behind both last season and the bitter taste of not being able to stay with the ‘team of his dreams’.