DALLAS – The baseball community is still abuzz over Juan Soto’s landmark contract with the New York Mets, but amidst this excitement, president of baseball operations David Stearns is focusing on another key player: first baseman Pete Alonso.
“We’d love to bring Pete back,” Stearns remarked from his suite during the winter meetings. “He’s been a tremendous asset for the Mets, delivering many crucial hits, and we’ll see how things progress.”
While Stearns is unable to comment on the Soto agreement—due to it not being official—he anticipates future negotiations with Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras.
Alonso, a beloved figure among fans, is a homegrown talent who has transformed from a second-round draft pick in 2016 into a four-time All-Star, clocking in 216 home runs since his debut in 2019—marking him as the second-highest in baseball during this timeframe. His dramatic home run in the National League Wild Card Series served as a pivotal moment in the Mets’ surprising journey to the National League Championship Series.
However, at 30 years old, Alonso faces scrutiny concerning his defensive and running abilities, coupled with a decline in offensive performance over the last three seasons.
“Our ownership has repeatedly demonstrated that they are willing to allocate resources when necessary,” Stearns added. “We can and will explore various avenues to enhance our roster.”
If Alonso does not return, Stearns indicated that moving Mark Vientos—a breakout star in 2024—from third base to first base might be a consideration, although he sees Vientos primarily suited for third.
This offseason, the Mets have already seen some changes, losing pitcher Luis Severino to the Athletics in free agency while acquiring outfielder Jose Siri and signing right-handed pitchers Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes to bolster their rotation.
Stearns mentioned there’s “room” for another starting pitcher but does not consider it essential. Notably, left-handed pitchers Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana remain free agents, alongside other veteran starters such as Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Jack Flaherty, and Walker Buehler.
Additionally, Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki was officially posted to MLB teams, making him available to sign as a free agent starting Tuesday.
The Mets also have several rotation options, including David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn, and Jose Butto, who contributed out of the bullpen in 2024.
In conclusion, while the future of Pete Alonso hangs in the balance, the Mets are actively seeking to enhance their roster, signaling a commitment to building a competitive team. The inclusion of new talent like Montas and Holmes, alongside emerging players like Vientos, gives fans hope for an exciting upcoming season.