Mets Owner Steve Cohen Reveals "Exhausting" Negotiations with Pete Alonso

In the midst of a tense offseason, negotiations between the New York Mets and Pete Alonso’s agents from the Boras Corporation have hit a snag. Reports indicate that both parties rejected each other's three-year contract proposals, with expectations growing that Alonso may seek opportunities elsewhere. During the recent "Amazin' Day" fan event at Citi Field, team owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns shed some light on the ongoing saga.

Cohen emphasized that while the Mets made a “significant offer” to Alonso, he was not pleased with the counteroffers that had come back from the player’s camp. “I think it’s highly asymmetric against us,” Cohen stated, hinting at the challenges of fitting Alonso into an already expensive roster. Despite these frustrations, Cohen left the door slightly ajar, noting, “there’s always the possibility [of an agreement]. But the reality is we’re moving forward.”

Insiders report that the Mets proposed a three-year contract valued at approximately $68-$70 million, featuring an opt-out clause that would afford Alonso the chance to re-enter free agency after the first year. This structure is not uncommon in current negotiations, as it mirrors deals arranged for other Boras clients like Matt Chapman and Cody Bellinger last offseason. However, Alonso and his representation rejected the offer, leading to the Mets retracting it entirely amidst ongoing uncertainty in the negotiations.

Cohen candidly remarked, “This has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation,” and likened it to the ultimately tough negotiations with Juan Soto, who recently secured a record-setting $765 million contract. Interestingly, both players share the same agent, Scott Boras, adding another layer to the complexities of player negotiations in the modern MLB landscape.

As the dust settles on negotiations with Alonso, the Mets may be exploring alternative solutions. Last week, they re-signed Jesse Winker, bolstering their roster. Additionally, both Mark Vientos and Brett Baty have been asked to start working out at first base, indicating that the team is preparing for a potential future without Alonso. Vientos already has minor league experience at first base, while Baty, despite having exclusively played third base professionally, is embracing the challenge of adapting. “I think athleticism shows at any position,” he expressed enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Alonso is reportedly attracting interest from several teams, including the Giants, Angels, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, with the latter making the latest push for the power-hitting first baseman. As the offseason progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if the Mets can either negotiate a deal with Alonso or find a suitable replacement within their ranks.

Stay tuned—this high-stakes negotiation continues to unfold, and every indication suggests that both Alonso and the Mets are at a crossroads that could reshape the team’s future!