PORT ST. LUCIE — Per week in the past, David Stearns and Steve Cohen sat down with Pete Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, at a tony social membership in Tampa. It was an “impressive” venue in line with the Mets president of baseball operations, and whereas the 2 events didn’t precisely shut the deal there, they got here shut sufficient.
Quickly after, Alonso, a homegrown four-time All-Star on tempo to set the franchise file in dwelling runs, was a Met as soon as once more.
“He makes us a better team,” Stearns stated Wednesday after Alonso handed his bodily. “There’s no question — he makes us a better team. We’re in a spot where we feel like we’ve got a really good team and we’re trying to win as many games as possible. He makes it better.”
This was the end result of a complete offseason of rumors, valuations and devaluations. There have been public negotiations and public puns made by Boras. But even when it seemed as if the Mets have been prepared to maneuver on from the Polar Bear, a reunion by no means felt far off.
Finally, what solidified it was a two-year pact with an opt-out for 2026.
“Both parties want to get it done, and that’s a really good foundation for a deal,” Stearns stated. “We’re thrilled to have Pete back, and I think Pete is thrilled to be back.”
Usually, a participant of Alonso’s stature desires a long-term, multi-year assure of their first go-around with free company. This was anticipated, however the business by no means fairly got here to a consensus on the right-handed hitting first baseman. If there have been any long-term gives made, they weren’t made public.
Alonso has had two comparatively unusual seasons. His batting common fell to .217 in 2023, however he nonetheless hit 46 dwelling runs. Final 12 months, he had a career-worst .788 OPS. However then he hit a heroic, three-run homer off former Milwaukee Brewers nearer Devin Williams final October to ship the Mets to the NLDS.
He owns a profession postseason OPS of 1.003 and he’s hit 40 dwelling runs in all however one of many 162-game seasons he’s performed. Final 12 months, he performed in all 162 video games plus all 13 playoff video games. Stearns isn’t too involved with how different groups worth him because the Mets know him higher than most.
“Free agency can be kind of a weird thing and players can be valued differently by the market in free agency at different points in the same offseason, certainly valued differently by the market in different offseasons. So this is kind of where it landed.”
Proprietor Steve Cohen characterised the negotiations as “exhausting,” with unprecedented public feedback final month. To Stearns, this was merely being clear with followers. To some, it was toeing the road of what’s and isn’t acceptable within the collective bargaining settlement. Commenting on unsigned free brokers may have an effect on a participant’s market, giving the MLBPA grounds to file a grievance.
Cohen was current and energetic for negotiations with Alonso. This isn’t typical of all homeowners, however Cohen and his spouse, Alex, take pleasure in forming bonds with gamers and their households. Alonso and his spouse, Haley, have been already valued members of the group when he purchased the group, so it’s no shock that he felt he wanted to impress on Alonso the will to get a deal achieved.
“I think, just accentuates the personal touch that he and Alex want to place on the team,” Stearns stated. “And from my perspective, that’s an enormous benefit for the organization.”
Alonso’s return deepens the lineup, and Stearns expects it to create extra competitors in camp. Mark Vientos labored out at first base over the winter, however he’ll proceed to man third. Alonso gives some safety for Juan Soto within the lineup and on the appropriate facet of the sphere.
“He wants to win,” Stearns stated. “What he expressed to us is that he wants to win a World Series as a Met, and he knows a big part of our ability to do that is him producing. I think Pete’s had good years the last couple of years, but not as good, not as elite, not at the standard that he set at the front end of his career. I think he is very motivated to demonstrate that he is capable of putting up those types of numbers.”
The 2019 NL Rookie of the 12 months and two-time Dwelling Run Derby champ has at all times maintained that he wished to stick with the Mets, and keep in Queens. The previous Florida Gator has seen the membership go from a laughingstock to a contender. He’s weathered the ups and downs of the Mets as he’s weathered the ups and downs of his personal profession.
Subsequent winter, we might be working this all again. Alonso may decide out to strive for that long-term contract.
However for now, Cohen, Stearns, Grimace and the playoff pumpkin can all relaxation simple understanding Alonso is true the place he desires to be.
