As the 2024 MLB offseason marches on, the New York Mets find themselves in the midst of a pivotal period for the future of their franchise. With a new front office structure under General Manager Billy Eppler and team president Sandy Alderson, the Mets are looking to retool, compete for championships, and ultimately push towards a more sustainable model of success. And no player’s future has loomed larger in these conversations than Pete Alonso, the power-hitting first baseman who has been one of the Mets’ most consistent and beloved figures for the past several seasons.
Alonso, a two-time All-Star and the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year, is set to be a key figure in the Mets’ future, but whether or not he will remain in New York long-term remains one of the offseason’s most important questions. Recent reports from top MLB insiders have indicated that the Mets are likely to make some significant concessions in their ongoing negotiations with Alonso, signaling the club’s willingness to potentially offer him the type of contract he is seeking. The stakes for the Mets, and for Alonso, couldn’t be higher. Here’s an in-depth look at what insiders are saying, why the Mets are making these concessions, and what the team’s remaining goals for the offseason are.
### **Alonso’s Contract Status: A Crossroads for the Mets**
Pete Alonso, who will be entering his final year of arbitration eligibility in 2024, is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season unless the Mets can lock him up to a long-term deal before then. Alonso’s current contract situation is a significant point of negotiation as he is one of the league’s premier power hitters, having hit over 40 home runs in three of his first five seasons in the league. His bat has remained a cornerstone of the Mets’ lineup, making him one of the top first basemen in the game.
Given the Mets’ recent history of spending—bolstered by owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets—the expectation has been that they would eventually commit to Alonso with a substantial contract extension. However, talks have not progressed at the pace many fans expected, leaving some to question whether the Mets would be willing to make the long-term commitment to the slugger. Recent reports have suggested that, while the Mets were initially reluctant to engage in deep negotiations on a long-term deal, the pressure to lock down Alonso for the future is mounting.
### **Mets Likely to Make a Major Concession in Alonso Talks**
According to a top MLB insider, the Mets are expected to make a major concession in their ongoing talks with Pete Alonso—one that could ultimately make him one of the highest-paid players on the team. The insider indicated that the Mets are likely to offer Alonso a contract that includes both a larger annual salary and more years than they were initially prepared to give. While the specifics are not yet confirmed, this concession marks a significant shift in the Mets’ approach to negotiations.
### **Why the Mets Are Willing to Make Concessions**
1. **Alonso’s Unique Position in the Mets’ Lineup**
Pete Alonso’s value to the Mets is undeniable. His production at the plate has made him one of the premier power hitters in all of baseball. Alonso’s 2023 season saw him hit 42 home runs and drive in 111 RBIs—both of which were among the best marks in the National League. He is an integral part of the Mets’ offense, a player they cannot afford to lose if they want to remain competitive in the NL East and on the national stage.
Moreover, the Mets’ lineup is currently lacking in proven power hitters, especially with some of their older stars underperforming or entering the twilight of their careers. Alonso’s presence not only brings a massive threat to opposing pitchers but also provides stability to a lineup that can be prone to streaky offensive performances. His ability to hit for both power and run production gives the Mets an edge in the middle of the order, something they have historically lacked.
2. **A Shift in the Mets’ Offseason Strategy**
Under new ownership and management, the Mets are no longer solely focused on spending big to secure talent. Instead, the front office seems to be taking a more measured approach, looking for long-term sustainability while still remaining competitive. In this context, locking up Alonso to a long-term deal is seen as a key part of this strategy. Not only would it solidify a critical piece of their offense for years to come, but it would also send a message to the rest of the league that the Mets are committed to building a championship-caliber roster, with homegrown talent like Alonso at the center of their vision.
The team’s decision to engage in more meaningful contract talks with Alonso is also likely a response to the growing uncertainty surrounding other cornerstones of the franchise. With short-term deals for players like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, as well as a crowded rotation that could change at any moment, securing Alonso would give the Mets a more stable foundation moving forward.
3. **Cohen’s Willingness to Spend**
Steve Cohen, the billionaire owner of the Mets, has shown that he is willing to spend on talent to build a championship team. While his spending spree in 2022 and 2023 drew both praise and criticism, the reality is that the Mets are financially capable of locking up Alonso without putting too much strain on their overall budget. Cohen has indicated that his long-term goal is to build a sustainable, competitive franchise, and a player like Alonso would be a key part of that future.
Cohen has repeatedly stated his commitment to making the Mets a championship contender, and keeping Alonso—one of the most recognizable faces of the franchise—fits that vision perfectly.
### **Remaining Goals for the Mets in the Offseason**
While the situation surrounding Alonso’s future is likely to dominate the conversation, the Mets still have several significant goals for the offseason. These objectives could shape the team’s prospects for 2024 and beyond.
1. **Improve Starting Pitching Depth**
The Mets’ starting rotation, while solid, needs reinforcement if the team is to contend with the best in the National League. While veterans like Verlander and Scherzer provide leadership and reliability at the top of the rotation, the team lacks a reliable third or fourth starter who can consistently go deep into games. Look for the Mets to explore options in free agency or trade markets to bolster their pitching staff.
2. **Add to the Bullpen**
The Mets’ bullpen has been one of their weakest links in recent seasons, and it remains a primary area of focus for the front office. New York has a few reliable arms, but they’ll need more depth and consistency in 2024 if they hope to remain competitive. Adding at least one proven reliever will be crucial for keeping games close and preventing late-game meltdowns.
3. **Strengthen the Lineup with a Bat**
The Mets need more balance in their lineup, and that includes adding a reliable bat to support Alonso and the rest of the roster. While they have some young, exciting players, adding another established hitter—preferably one who can play a key position—could round out the offense. Whether it’s a power hitter or a contact guy with a high on-base percentage, the Mets need a little more pop and consistency from their non-Alonso hitters.
4. **Long-Term Financial Flexibility**
While Cohen has shown a willingness to spend, the Mets will also need to be mindful of their financial future. Extending Alonso is a major step, but the team must also think about how future contracts—such as those for Francisco Lindor, Jeff McNeil, and others—will fit into their payroll structure. Balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability is critical for the team’s future.
### **Conclusion: A Defining Offseason for the Mets**
The New York Mets find themselves at a crossroads this offseason, with the future of Pete Alonso looming large over all other decisions. Insiders suggest that the Mets are ready to make a major concession in their contract talks with Alonso, offering him a deal that reflects his value to the team and the organization’s long-term vision. However, the Mets’ goals don’t stop there. With improvements to pitching depth, bullpen reliability, and lineup balance on the horizon, the Mets are preparing for an offseason that could define their future. If they get it right, 2024 could be the beginning of a new chapter of sustained success for the Mets—one with Pete Alonso at its core.