DALLAS – The baseball community is abuzz following Juan Soto’s unprecedented contract with the New York Mets, but David Stearns, the Mets’ head of baseball operations, refrained from commenting on that specific transaction during a recent press conference at the Hilton Anatole. Instead, he directed focus towards first baseman Pete Alonso, another client of agent Scott Boras, who is currently in free agency.
Stearns expressed a strong desire to retain Alonso, stating, “We’d love to bring Pete back. He’s been a great Met and has delivered some significant moments for us.” The admiration for Alonso is evident; he is a homegrown talent and a fan favorite, known for his impressive performance since being drafted in the second round in 2016. With 216 home runs, Alonso ranks second in the league since his debut in 2019 and has consistently been a presence in the lineup, missing no more than 10 games per season. His dramatic home run during the National League Wild Card Series exemplified his ability to come through in clutch situations.
However, Alonso’s age and the decline in his offensive output over the past three years have raised some concerns. Stearns acknowledged the Mets’ ownership has a track record of being willing to invest resources into the team and reiterated their dedication to pursuing various strategies for improvement.
As the offseason unfolds, the Mets have already seen some changes, including the loss of right-hander Luis Severino to the A’s, the acquisition of outfielder Jose Siri, and the signing of right-handers Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes to bolster their starting rotation. Stearns indicated that while the team has the opportunity to add another starting pitcher, it is not an immediate necessity, given the current options available.
In another development, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki has been officially posted to MLB teams and will be eligible for signing, adding another layer to the free-agent market.
Overall, while there are uncertainties surrounding Alonso’s future with the Mets, the organization remains optimistic about its direction and willingness to make strategic moves to enhance their competitive edge.
This reflects a hope for a balance between maintaining beloved players like Alonso and making necessary adjustments to strengthen the team overall. As the season approaches, fans can look forward to exciting developments in the roster and potential new talent joining the Mets.