A stunning ninth-inning comeback victory against the Brewers in a postseason rubber match, followed by a thrashing of the hated Phillies in the Divisional Round, elevated last year’s Mets to the ranks of some of the greatest, and certainly the most entertaining, teams in franchise history. Even when the winter began, the winning continued, as Steve Cohen and David Stearns were able to lure the biggest fish in the free agent pond, Juan Soto, away from the crosstown Yankees.
As a Mets fan, I can only think of one thing from this season that has left a terrible taste in my mouth: the lengthy negotiations between the team and Pete Alonso.
They say that all’s well that ends well, but the Mets’ very public negotiations with the Polar Bear were, if not unpleasant, at least unattractive. It was not a good look for the organization that had just spent a record amount on Soto to cut corners with its most likable player, let alone a guy who has been the most consistent power hitter in the game since his debut in the majors in 2019. It was a wonderful day to be a Mets fan when it was announced that Alonso would be returning, but the fact that it took months for the two sides to ultimately come to terms on a two-year deal didn’t exactly inspire confidence that there was a long-term future Ahead.
I understand the business side of the game, and if other clubs weren’t vying for Alonso’s services, it wouldn’t have made sense for the Mets to pay more than necessary to keep him in Flushing. At the end of the day, Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million contract that includes a $30 million salary this year and a $24 million player option for next year. That implies we’ll almost certainly go through the same emotional rollercoaster again this winter.
Fifty-four million dollars is more money than most of us will ever see in our lives, so nobody feels sorry for Alonso.
To his credit, he does not appear to be feeling sorry for himself, as he has gotten off to the best start of his career. We’re only 22 games into the season, but if it ended today, he’d be the most likely National League MVP due to his six home runs,.346 average, and 24 RBIs, all of which sit at the top of the league.
Pete Alonso is crushing it for the Mets, but he’s also making them wish they dealt with this offseason differently.
To his credit, he doesn’t seem to be feeling sorry for himself, since he’s off to the best start of his career. We’re only 22 games into the season, but if it ended today, he’d be the most likely National League MVP because of his six home runs,.346 average, and 24 RBIs, all of which are league-leading.
Pete Alonso is crushing it for the Mets, but he’s also making them wish they handled the offseason differently.
Alonso’s contributions to the Mets have always extended beyond simple statistics, however impressive they may be. He has spent his entire career with the Mets and has always shown a passion for the team and its fans. Fans have repaid the favor by loving him back. That’s why it’s perplexing that he and the Mets couldn’t reach an arrangement to keep him in Queens for at least a few years.
This offseason, the Mets’ lack of commitment appears to be costing them. Alonso appears to be a lock to opt out, even if he wants to stay in New York, and if he keeps up his present pace, it will cost far more to keep him than it did last winter. Mets supporters should take heart in the fact that Steve Cohen’s bankroll knows no bounds. Sometimes in business, you have to learn the hard way.
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