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The Surprising Honesty of Mets Owner Steve Cohen on Alonso's Contract Negotiations and Other MLB Buzz
2025-01-27
Author: Jia
Steve Cohen's Candid Comments on Alonso's Contract
In a rare moment of transparency, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen shocked many fans during the team's Amazin’ Day event by offering what he termed a "brutally honest" take on the ongoing contract negotiations with free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso. This candidness is a stark contrast to the usual reticence exhibited by MLB owners and executives when discussing player negotiations, particularly in light of the regulations set by Attachment 49 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Attachment 49 is designed to prevent club officials from swaying the market with their public comments on free-agent discussions. It explicitly states that the involved parties cannot disclose the nature of contract discussions or comment on the potential value of unsigned free agents until a deal is finalized and confirmed by the Commissioner’s Office and the Players Association.
Cohen, however, provided insight into the Mets' stance, discussing the team's significant offer to Alonso, a deal rumored to be worth between $68 million and $70 million over three years. Despite this offer, Cohen expressed dissatisfaction with the terms being presented back to him, describing them as “highly asymmetric” and voiced concerns about the challenges of fitting Alonso into an already costly roster. He stated, "The reality is we’re moving forward," highlighting the difficulty of integrating Alonso into a team filled with high-paid players.
For attendees of the event, Cohen’s comments were well-received, with fans chanting for Alonso to be re-signed before his remarks. The real question now is whether Cohen will maintain this level of openness in future negotiations, as most other executives would shy away from discussing such sensitive matters for fear of repercussions.
Bregman’s Future with Astros Remains Uncertain
Shifting focus to the Houston Astros, free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman may face an unexpected positional change if he re-signs with the team. Despite assurances from Astros management that Bregman will remain at third base, the prospect of him moving to second base alongside young player Isaac Paredes could make sense from a defensive standpoint. Recent discussions indicate that Bregman is open to this shift, a move that could provide flexibility for the team.
However, the decision is complicated by the fact that Jose Altuve, the current second baseman, has expressed a willingness to transition to left field, despite his lengthy career dedicated to the infield. If this occurs, it could impact the overall defensive setup of the Astros, particularly as Altuve ages and his speed declines.
Los Angeles Dodgers Facing Defensive Questions
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers are under scrutiny for potential defensive weaknesses ahead of the upcoming season. Despite solid performances from players like Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy, concerns linger about the outfield's range, particularly with Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto in the corners. Compounding the matter is the consistency of Mookie Betts at shortstop, as fans wonder whether he can meet the expectations in this pivotal role.
Pirates' Young Star Paul Skenes Sets Improvement Goals
In Pittsburgh, right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes is eager to build on a remarkable rookie year where he finished with a 1.96 ERA and impressive strikeout and walk rates. Engaging with analysts to better understand his performance metrics, Skenes aims to improve his command in the strike zone—an area he struggled with in the previous season. His commitment to refining his approach could be key for the Pirates as they aim for a competitive edge.
The Offseason Market Remains Active
As of late January, several teams—including the Minnesota Twins and Miami Marlins—have yet to clinch a major league free agent signing, creating an intriguing environment for player movement. Many teams, including the Los Angeles Angels, are still evaluating their rosters and looking to fill key bullpen positions, while trade talks involving pitchers such as Luis Castillo and Dylan Cease continue to pique interest.
With a wealth of players still available and discussions ongoing, the MLB offseason promises to remain eventful as teams navigate their strategies leading up to the new season.