Mets President Stearns Sends Clear Message: Pete Alonso Is Crucial To The Franchise's Future
The New York Mets' offseason was already filled with a multitude of pressing needs after a disappointing season without a playoff bid. Now, it seems that the team is putting pressure on itself to reacquire one of its most prized players - Pete Alonso.
Following All-Star closer Edwin Diaz's shocking departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-year, $69 million deal, the Mets are now scrambling to fill the gaping hole left by the reliever. However, the focus has shifted from finding Diaz's replacement to reuniting with their homegrown star, Alonso.
In a recent appearance on MLB Network Radio, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided a clear two-word response when asked if he wants Alonso back: "Of course." This statement sent a strong message that the team values Alonso and is eager to retain him.
Mendoza's sentiments echo those of the organization as a whole, who have been vocal about their desire to keep Alonso on board. The manager highlighted Alonso's reliability, stating that he doesn't have to worry about his star player playing first base or hitting in the middle of the lineup.
However, the Mets' willingness to invest in Alonso remains uncertain, given his prolonged free agency last winter and subsequent decision to opt out of his contract. Now, with a longer-term deal on the table, it's unclear if the team will be willing to commit to Alonso for an extended period.
With Diaz now bound for Los Angeles, it appears that the Mets feel compelled to bring back at least one of their long-time stars - and it would appear that star is Pete Alonso.
The New York Mets' offseason was already filled with a multitude of pressing needs after a disappointing season without a playoff bid. Now, it seems that the team is putting pressure on itself to reacquire one of its most prized players - Pete Alonso.
Following All-Star closer Edwin Diaz's shocking departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-year, $69 million deal, the Mets are now scrambling to fill the gaping hole left by the reliever. However, the focus has shifted from finding Diaz's replacement to reuniting with their homegrown star, Alonso.
In a recent appearance on MLB Network Radio, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided a clear two-word response when asked if he wants Alonso back: "Of course." This statement sent a strong message that the team values Alonso and is eager to retain him.
Mendoza's sentiments echo those of the organization as a whole, who have been vocal about their desire to keep Alonso on board. The manager highlighted Alonso's reliability, stating that he doesn't have to worry about his star player playing first base or hitting in the middle of the lineup.
However, the Mets' willingness to invest in Alonso remains uncertain, given his prolonged free agency last winter and subsequent decision to opt out of his contract. Now, with a longer-term deal on the table, it's unclear if the team will be willing to commit to Alonso for an extended period.
With Diaz now bound for Los Angeles, it appears that the Mets feel compelled to bring back at least one of their long-time stars - and it would appear that star is Pete Alonso.
I think it's awesome that the Mets are showing they value their homegrown talent! Pete Alonso was a game-changer for them last season, and it's no surprise they want to keep him 
. I mean, he's already proven himself as an all-star player - what more can you ask for? 
The fact that Carlos Mendoza is on board with having Alonso back just shows how confident the team is in his abilities 
. Now we'll just have to wait and see if they'll be willing to give him a long-term deal 
... fingers crossed! 
. Will they give him the contract he deserves or try to restructure? I think the team is being smart by keeping their options open - if Diaz's new deal doesn't work out as well as expected, Alonso could be a great fallback option 
. Plus, with Carlos Mendoza on board, it's hard to argue against his assessment of Alonso's reliability 
!
. Newsflash: players come and go, especially when you're not offering market value contracts. The Mets think Alonso is crucial to their future because he's reliable? Please, that's the bare minimum expectation from any player. I'd love to see what happens if they can't close a deal. Will they just let him walk again? 
... its about finding that right balance between keeping the core players intact & making room for new talent 
... maybe its time for them to think outside the box (or in this case, the contract) and get creative with Alonso's deal 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed they can work out a deal that makes sense for both sides 
. Bring on Alonso! 
just kidding (kinda). Seriously though, it's crazy how much pressure they're putting on themselves after that disappointing season. Alonso is a great player, but I mean, can't they just find another closer who doesn't leave for LA in one year? 
and what's with this opt-out thing... like, if you want to stay, just sign the contract already! 
! He's been a game-changer for them since he arrived, and without him, their lineup just doesn't have that same punch 
. Plus, Mendoza said he's reliable, which is music to my ears 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to keep a player like Alonso on board? 
The question now is what kind of deal are they gonna give him... will it be enough to keep him happy and in New York for the long haul? 
the mets are like "oh we love you pete come back" and then there's still the question about whether they wanna give him a long term deal which would be huge for alonso imo