Report reveals Mets’ stance on Pete Alonso contract talks

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

The New York Mets remain interested in bring Pete Alonso back, but it appears the first baseman will have to accept a short-term deal for it to happen.

The Mets are refusing to adjust the short-term offer they have made to Alonso, according to Andy Martino of SNY. The offer includes an opt-out after one season, though the exact dollar figure is unknown.

Notably, owner Steve Cohen is fully supportive of the short-term approach, even though he has sanctioned huge long-term deals at other points. That includes the megadeal the team gave Juan Soto earlier in the offseason.

Alonso’s big issue is that his market simply has not developed as he had hoped. Outside of the Mets, few teams have shown interest in him, especially on a long-term deal. The Mets have been named as the favorites to re-sign him, in part because of that lack of a market.

Alonso is coming off a down season by his standards, as his 34 home runs marked his worst full-season total since entering the league. That undoubtedly hurt his value, even as the rest of his numbers held up close to his career averages.