The New York Mets season has been a disaster. This probably means that New York will probably be sellers come the trade deadline. One thing that the Mets need to decide on is what they want to do with star slugger Pete Alonso. Alonso will enter free agency after this season and the Mets aren’t close to agreeing on an extension with him. The Mets should consider moving Pete Alonso at the deadline.
The New York Mets Are Having Another Poor Year
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite topping baseball again in payroll, the New York Mets are once again having a horrible year. They’re in fourth place in the NL East, only ahead of the equally disastrous Miami Marlins, and are 11 games under .500. Given how they’ve played, the Mets will probably miss the postseason for the third time in four years. This isn’t going to get them any closer to their pipe dream of signing Juan Soto. Bob Klapisch’s book The Worst Team Money Can Buy: The Collapse of the New York Mets might need an updated copy.
It’s Been A Fun Six Years In Queens
Embed from Getty ImagesPete Alonso has been a fan favorite of Mets fans over the years. Affectionally known as “Polar Bear”, the three-time-all-star has become known for his towering home runs. He even broke the rookie record for home runs in a season. In six seasons, Alonso has slashed .250/.339/.522 with 204 home runs, 525 RBI, and an OPS of .862. His accolades include winning the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year honors and three all-star game appearances.
The Mets And Alonso Aren’t Close To An Agreement
Given the Mets record, New York will likely be sellers at the trade deadline. Productive players like Luis Severino, Starling Marte, Sean Manaea, and others are worthwhile trade pieces. Pete Alonso is one player the Mets need to make a decision on. This past offseason, Alonso turned down an extension offer from the team. The two sides aren’t even close to agreeing on a new deal.
Pete Alonso Will See Free Agency
Embed from Getty ImagesThis past offseason, Alonso tabbed Scott Boras to be his agent. This means that Pete Alonso will see free agency after the season ends. Alonso is reportedly looking for a ten-year deal taking him through his age-38 season. The Mets are already suffering through Francisco Lindor’s ten-year deal, they shouldn’t make the same mistake twice. With the team at an impasse in negotiations, New York should just move him.
Intriguing In-House Options To Replace Pete Alonso
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Mets have a player in their organization who could take over if Alonso is traded. Young prospect Mark Vientos has the ability to play first base. In limited appearances this season, Vientos is slashing .327/.377/.592 with three homers, eight RBIs, and an OPS of .969. Prospects Ryan Clifford and Jacob Reimer also can play first base as well. However, Clifford and Reimer aren’t projected to be ready until 2026.
Declining Skills Will Happen
Embed from Getty ImagesA player’s prime years are typically from ages 26-29. Pete Alonso will turn 30 after the season concludes. A team is typically lucky to get two to three years of positive production. This deal has the makings of a bad contract all over it. The Mets would be smart to let someone else deal with the declining skills.
The Mets Can Get A Haul In Return For Alonso
New York’s farm system is currently ranked 13th in baseball. They have four prospects ranked inside the top 100. If they trade Alonso, they can easily command a haul of top prospects in return. If the Mets decide to keep Alonso, they’d only receive a draft pick if he departs in free agency. New York would be better off going for a big return by trading him. There will be no shortage of interested suitors.
The Mets Need To Look At The Bigger Picture
Embed from Getty ImagesThe New York Mets are most likely going to miss the postseason and Pete Alonso will be entering free agency. The Mets and Alonso aren’t close to agreeing on a new deal. Given Alonso’s rumored contract demands, the Mets are better off trading him. New York already made a mistake in awarding one ten-year deal; they shouldn’t make the same bad decision again. The potential return the team can get for trading Alonso is worth it.
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