NEW YORK – Pete Alonso loomed over the New York Mets ‘Amazin’ Day at Citi Field on Saturday without attending the event.
Just before Mets owner Steve Cohen answered a question about where things stand with Alonso, a homegrown star and free agent first baseman, during a panel discussion a spirited crowd started chanting, “Let’s sign Pete!” Let’s sign Pete! Let’s sign Pete! “
Another chant then began, “Pete al-on-So!”
Cohen then joked, “Keep that for the end, okay?”
Cohen followed with a blunt assessment.
“We made Pete an important offer,” Cohen said. “He has the right to explore his market. That’s what he does. Personally, this was an exhausting conversation and negotiation. I mean, Soto was tough – this is worse.
“A lot of it is that we made a major offer … I don’t like the structures that are being brought back to us. It’s very asymmetrical against us. And I feel strongly about it. I will never say no. There is always the possibility. But the reality is that we are moving forward. And as we continue to bring in players, the reality is that it becomes more difficult to fit Pete into what is a very expensive group of players we already have. That’s where we are. And I’m brutally honest.
“I don’t like the negotiations. I don’t like what we have been presented with. Listen, maybe that will change. Certainly, I will always remain flexible. If it continues like this, I think we have to get used to the fact that we may have to continue with the existing players that we have. “
The crowd cheered the answer.
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In general, from a star player’s perspective, a short-term deal can be seen as a concession. Therefore, for three years there may be a preference on the part of the player to have only player opt-outs and no deferred money. In Boras’ four shorter deals after the 2023 season, none included deferred money. On the other hand, from the team’s perspective, they might prefer more optionality on their side.
“Pete’s free-agent contract structure request is identical to the standards and practices of other clubs that have similarly signed qualifying and all-star level players,” agent Scott Boras said. ‘Nothing else. Just established honesty standards. “
Last week, the Mets made a three-year counter offer to Alonso and Boras. It was rejected.
The Mets withdrew that particular offer after it was rejected, sources familiar with the matter. However, it is unknown if the Mets and Alonso have moved on again since then. So whether the door is open under similar or different parameters remains a question.
The crowd on Amazin’ Day started chanting “We want Pete!” Once Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and Carlos Mendoza took the stand for a panel hosted by Sny broadcaster Gary Cohen. When the broadcaster started asking a question about Alonso, he called it ‘the elephant in the room’. Chants of “PE-TE” then continued.
“We all love Pete and we’ve said that many times,” said Stearns, who received cheers. “As we have gone through this process, we have continued to express that. And we also understand that this is a business and Pete, as a free agent, deserves the right and earned the privilege to see what’s there.
“We also feel really good about the young players coming through our system who can play at the Major League level.”
That’s when fans met Stearns’ words with groans and anger.
“We saw that last year. And that’s not always the most popular opinion,” Stearns continued. “We saw that last year and we will again this year.”
Without Alonso on the roster, the Mets would likely look internally for a solution at first base. Earlier this month, Mets officials told third baseman Mark Vientos and Brett Baty to start taking reps at first base with Alonso’s future and the position for the club uncertain.
Vientos broke out as the Mets’ third baseman last year, replacing Baty at the position. Scouts said Vientos improved defensively but still has plenty of room to grow. He also played first base in the minor leagues.
“I love playing third base, but right now my main focus is, ‘What can I do for us to get to the World Series and win a championship?’ ” Vientos said. “That’s what I want.”
On Amazin’ Day, Baty wore a New Jersey number – No. 7. He previously wore No. 22, meaning he needed a new number once the Mets signed Juan Soto. Baty landed at No. 7 because he grew up rooting for José Reyes and Joe Mauer.
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Baty recalled Stearns telling him a few weeks ago, “We don’t know what’s going to happen,” and to start taking reps at first base. The next day, a first baseman’s glove arrived in the mail.
Unlike Vientos, Baty is a neophyte at first base. He last played sparingly as a sophomore in high school. He is so new to the position that he said he hadn’t even thought about holding runners or taking pitches from pitchers. He said working on his footwork around the bag is the most challenging part.
Baty sees every opportunity at first base as an opportunity to improve his versatility as he tries to win a job in spring training. Third base is Baty’s primary position, but he played second base in Triple A last year after a midseason demotion. In previous seasons in the minor leagues, he also played some left field.
“It’s really fun, honestly,” Baty said. “I always pride myself on being as athletic as I can be. And I think athleticism, you can show it at any position, whether it’s first base, second base, third base, outfield, whatever it is. “
Mendoza stopped short of anointing anyone the first baseman. If Vientos slid to first base, that would include Baty, Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio, possibly among others, in a competition for playing time at third base.
“We were given options,” Mendoza said when asked about Vientos being the team’s first baseman while things stand still. “We also gained some depth there. We signed Jared Young, who has experience. Joey Meneses is a non-Roster invite who has major league experience. So we have options there. Boys are going to get the chance. We’ll see what happens. “
Meanwhile, Alonso continues to exist in free agency. Veteran and clubhouse leader Brandon Nimmo, also a Boras customer, said he wasn’t too surprised that Alonso remains on the market because he expects his old teammate to take his time with the process until he saw figures to his liking.
“I would love to see Pete back with us, but I also understand that I don’t make those decisions; That’s between Pete and our front office,” Nimmo said. “From what I understand, there have been many conversations between them. I still hope we will sign him. But we’re really happy with what we did this offseason. We made our team a better team. “
STAR shortstop Francisco Lindor added: “He has to make the best decision for himself and not feel like he has rushed a decision. And I’m sure he will. Pete is smart. And he’s going to get input from his wife and his family and then make the best decision for himself. As he should. He deserves it. “
In the meantime, less than three weeks remain until the Mets begin reporting to spring training.
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(Photo: Harry How/Getty Images)