DALLAS — As excitement continues to grow in the baseball community surrounding Juan Soto’s recently signed record-breaking contract with the New York Mets, David Stearns, the head of the team’s baseball operations, held a press conference at the Hilton Anatole on Monday. While he refrained from discussing Soto’s deal, which remains unofficial, he did share his thoughts on another prominent player currently in free agency: first baseman Pete Alonso.
Stearns expressed a strong desire to retain Alonso, stating, “We’d love to bring Pete back. He’s been a great Met, known for delivering significant hits for us, and we will see where that goes.” Alonso, a fan favorite and a product of the team’s farm system, has made a remarkable impact since being drafted in the second round in 2016. He quickly established himself as a four-time All-Star and has hit 216 home runs since debuting in 2019—the second-highest total in Major League Baseball during that period. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the Mets’ playoff journey last year, hitting a crucial home run in the National League Wild Card Series.
However, Alonso, now 30, poses some challenges for the team. While he has showcased impressive power, his defensive capabilities and running speed aren’t top tier, and his offensive numbers have seen a decline over the past three seasons.
Stearns emphasized that the Mets’ ownership has a history of providing resources for key player acquisitions. “There is the ability for us to make baseball moves when we think they’re there to improve the team,” he mentioned as he addressed the team’s future plans. In the event that Alonso does not return, Stearns mentioned the possibility of shifting Mark Vientos, a breakout star in 2024, from third base to first base, although he views Vientos primarily as a third baseman.
This offseason, the Mets have made some notable moves, including the loss of right-hander Luis Severino to the A’s in free agency, acquiring outfielder Jose Siri, and signing right-handers Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes to bolster their starting rotation.
Stearns indicated that while there’s still room for another starting pitcher, he doesn’t feel it’s urgent. Some key veteran free agents like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried remain available. Additionally, Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki has been posted and will be eligible to sign with MLB teams starting Tuesday.
The Mets’ pitching staff now includes Montas and Holmes, along with David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn, and Jose Butto, offering a variety of rotation options as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Mets are at a critical point, balancing retaining fan-favorite Alonso with potential roster adjustments and new acquisitions that may further enhance their competitiveness in the league. This strategic approach not only reflects the team’s commitment to improvement but suggests optimism for a successful future.
In summary, the Mets are actively maneuvering in the offseason, evaluating their roster and considering how best to retain key players like Alonso while also exploring new talent to strengthen their lineup. This comprehensive strategy showcases the team’s dedication to sustaining their competitive edge.