Mets Still in Talks with Pete Alonso Amid Free Agency Speculation

In a press conference introducing Juan Soto, Mets owner Steve Cohen announced that the team is "still engaged" in discussions with first baseman Pete Alonso. This follows remarks from President of Baseball Operations David Stearns at the Winter Meetings expressing the team's desire to retain Alonso.


There has been limited public discussion about Alonso's free agency. Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently reported that Alonso might be interested in joining the Yankees if the Mets do not make a significant effort to keep him. While connections between Alonso and the Yankees have been suggested, reports indicate the Yankees are more focused on acquiring Christian Walker. Beyond New York, the market for Alonso has been largely speculative. Teams like the Nationals and Giants could benefit from Alonso's bat at first base, though there is no concrete evidence of their involvement.


Alonso turned down a qualifying offer from the Mets last month. Any team, aside from the Mets, signing Alonso would have to forfeit draft picks and/or international signing bonus space. The Mets, in contrast, would lose the right to a compensatory pick, which would come after the fourth round—a minimal penalty for losing a player of Alonso's caliber.