In Dallas, the excitement surrounding Juan Soto’s historic contract with the New York Mets was palpable, but the team’s president of baseball operations, David Stearns, kept discussions focused on a different topic during a media session at the Hilton Anatole: first baseman Pete Alonso, who is currently a free agent.
Stearns expressed a strong desire to re-sign Alonso, stating, “We’d love to bring Pete back. He’s been a great Met, and had some enormous hits for us.” Alonso has built a storied career as a homegrown talent, making four All-Star appearances and hitting 216 home runs since his MLB debut in 2019—the second-highest total in that timeframe. He played a critical role in the Mets’ recent postseason run, hitting a pivotal home run in the National League Wild Card Series.
At 30 years old, Alonso’s skills as a first baseman are under scrutiny, especially as his offensive output has seen a decline over the last three seasons. Although he is beloved by fans, concerns about his defense and agility linger. Despite this, Stearns reassured fans that the Mets’ ownership is committed to allocating resources to strengthen the team, stating they would continue to explore various avenues for improvement.
As the Mets navigate this offseason, they have already made some moves, including the loss of right-hander Luis Severino to the A’s, the acquisition of outfielder Jose Siri, and the signing of pitchers Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes. While there is potential to add another starting pitcher, Stearns indicated it wasn’t an immediate necessity. Notable free-agent starters like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Jack Flaherty, and Walker Buehler are still available, as well as the recently posted Japanese star Roki Sasaki.
With the Mets currently boasting a rotation that includes Montas, Holmes, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Paul Blackburn, and Jose Butto, the team’s direction is clear—they aim to stay competitive while also preparing for Alonso’s future.
In summary, the Mets are actively working to bolster their roster while expressing a keen interest in retaining Alonso. This approach reflects a balanced strategy, acknowledging the need for fresh talent while valuing homegrown players that have contributed significantly to the franchise’s recent successes. The offseason remains crucial, with opportunities to acquire both established and promising talents that could shape the team’s future positively.