Mets could reportedly make unusual move with Pete Alonso

Apr 16, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Pete Alonso (20) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

As things stand, Pete Alonso is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and the New York Mets are not looking anything like a contender. That has sparked a lot of trade rumors regarding the first baseman, but it may not necessarily mean the sides are parting ways for good.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic wrote on Tuesday that Alonso is viewed as increasingly likely to be traded before the July 30 deadline. Bowden added, however, that the Mets will still make a “concerted effort” to re-sign Alonso in the offseason, as both sides are mutually interested in sticking together long-term.

There is precedent for this, though it is rare. In 2016, the New York Yankees traded Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs, then signed him again that winter after he became a free agent. The Mets could certainly try to do something similar, though a lot could happen between July and the end of the season to potentially derail those hopes.

One big issue is that Alonso and the Mets have failed to agree on a long-term deal so far. The door is not closed, but that would still have to be addressed, and the Mets would have to wait until Alonso actually hits the open market under this scenario.