Interesting contract update on Mets' Pete Alonso emerges

The president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, David Stearns, assured back in November that contract extension discussions with All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso were on the horizon for this offseason. However, as Christmas approaches, it seems that these talks have yet to take place.

According to a report by Tim Healey of Newsday on Thursday night, a source familiar with the Alonso situation revealed that there has been no communication between the parties about the possibility of a long-term deal to keep Alonso with the team during this offseason.

Turning 29 on Thursday, Alonso is poised to enter free agency next fall and has enlisted Scott Boras as his agent after the conclusion of the previous season. Despite speculations linking the popular "Polar Bear" to a potential move to the Chicago Cubs, Stearns has consistently stated throughout the fall that he does not foresee trading the slugger before Opening Day 2024.

Notable figures in Mets history, including Keith Hernandez and Darryl Strawberry, have openly advocated for team owner Steve Cohen to secure Alonso's contract before the two-time Home Run Derby champion becomes a free agent. However, Healey mentioned in his report that it remains unclear whether the Mets intend to initiate discussions with Alonso regarding a contract extension.

Boras, speaking about talks with Stearns during this week's winter meetings, stated, "I spoke to David. We just told him we’re all ears. If he wanted to talk to us about anything, let us know."

StatMuse highlights that Alonso led all MLB players in regular-season home runs from 2019 through 2023, with a total of 192. While it has been previously assumed that Alonso would play out his contract year before entering free agency, recent developments, such as Shohei Ohtani rejecting the Mets and the New York Yankees acquiring All-Star outfielder Juan Soto, have added uncertainty to the situation.

Healey explained, "Boras encourages his clients to go to free agency, since that often is the best way for a player to maximize his earnings," noting that while most follow this advice, not all players choose this path.