The New York Mets are facing the reality that a long-term deal with star first baseman, Pete Alonso, is unlikely before he becomes eligible for free agency after the World Series. Alonso recently agreed to a $20.5 million, one-year contract to avoid arbitration but subsequently switched agents to Scott Boras, who typically encourages players to test the open market to maximize their value. The Mets’ new president of baseball operations, David Stearns, acknowledged this possibility and stated, “This is an organization that’s dealt with that before with really good players and has ended up in a perfectly fine spot.”
Despite a career-low batting average of .217 in the previous season, Alonso showcased his power-hitting abilities with 46 home runs and 118 RBIs. In 2022, he boasted a .271 average and tied for the major league lead with 131 RBIs. Alonso set a rookie home run record with 53 in 2019, establishing himself as a promising player. Stearns expressed his optimism for Alonso’s future, emphasizing the importance of a successful season for both the player and the team.
Stearns inherited a team that underperformed significantly last season, finishing fourth in the NL East with a record of 75-87. The Mets’ disappointing results prompted a midsummer selloff that saw the departure of key players such as former Cy Young Award winners Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, as well as closer David Robertson and outfielders Tommy Pham and Mark Canha. Despite this setback, Stearns remains confident that the team can rebound and make a playoff appearance this year, even with a reduced payroll.
To strengthen the team for the upcoming season, the Mets made several acquisitions during the offseason. They secured agreements with center fielder Harrison Bader, right-handers Luis Severino, Jorge López, Michael Tonkin, and Austin Adams, as well as infielder Joey Wendle. In addition, the Mets conducted trades with the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox, acquiring right-hander Adrian Houser, outfielder Tyrone Taylor, and right-hander Yohan Ramirez. The pending deal with right-hander Shintaro Fujinami is expected to be finalized soon, allowing the Mets to utilize the 60-day injured list to create roster spots.
Despite the challenges faced and the changes made during the offseason, Stearns maintains high expectations for the team. He believes they have the potential to compete for a playoff spot and deliver exciting baseball at Citi Field in September and October. According to Stearns, success can be defined in various ways, but the Mets’ primary aim is to field a quality team that wins games and competes at a playoff level.
The Mets will welcome back their All-Star closer, Edwin Díaz, who suffered a patellar tendon tear in his right knee during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Stearns, who previously had the fortune of working with strong closers in Milwaukee, emphasized the importance of having a reliable closer and how it facilitates the building of the rest of the bullpen.
Stearns also highlighted the Mets’ intention to closely monitor the workload of left-handed pitcher Kodai Senga, the NL Cy Young runner-up. Senga excelled during his first season in Major League Baseball, with a 12-7 record and a 2.98 ERA over 166⅓ innings. As a critical asset to the team, his performance will be closely observed with the aim of optimizing his contributions to the Mets’ success.
The New York Mets face uncertainty regarding Pete Alonso’s future with the team. While a long-term deal appears unlikely, the organization remains optimistic about the upcoming season and the potential for a playoff appearance. The Mets have made significant offseason moves to strengthen their roster and have also prioritized the return of All-Star closer Edwin Díaz. With the guidance of new president of baseball operations David Stearns, the team aims to overcome previous challenges and redefine success in the 2024 season.
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