In Dallas, the excitement in baseball circles over Juan Soto’s astonishing contract with the New York Mets continued, but Mets’ baseball operations head, David Stearns, maintained a focus on another matter during a press briefing. Although he couldn’t discuss Soto’s contract due to its pending status, Stearns did address the future of first baseman Pete Alonso, a prominent name in free agency.
Stearns expressed a desire to retain Alonso, emphasizing his contributions as a significant player for the Mets. “We’d love to bring Pete back,” he stated. Alonso, who has become a fan favorite since being drafted in the second round in 2016, has consistently impressed fans with his performance, becoming a four-time All-Star and hitting 216 home runs since 2019—ranking second in the league for that stretch. He played a critical role in the Mets’ postseason, especially with a game-changing home run during the National League Wild Card Series.
Despite his popularity, Alonso’s future with the team is uncertain. At 30 years old, concerns arise regarding his defense and declining offensive numbers over the past three seasons. Stearns assured fans that the Mets’ ownership is committed to providing the necessary resources to enhance the team, indicating a proactive approach to potential moves.
In the event that Alonso does not re-sign, there is the option of shifting Mark Vientos, a promising breakout player in 2024, to first base, although Stearns prefers him as a third baseman.
This offseason has seen the Mets lose right-hander Luis Severino, who signed with the Athletics, while acquiring outfielder Jose Siri and adding right-handers Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes to bolster their starting rotation. Although Stearns acknowledged the possibility of adding another starting pitcher, he downplayed its urgency. They still have notable left-handed free agents like Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana available, as well as a pool of veteran starters including Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.
Notably, the Japanese talent Roki Sasaki has been posted for MLB teams and will be available for signing soon, potentially offering more options for team strengthening.
In summary, as the Mets navigate through their offseason strategies, a hopeful focus on keeping Alonso and further enhancing their roster remains at the forefront of Stearns’ agenda. With continued investment and a talented roster, the Mets may just be aiming for a successful season ahead.