New York Mets owner Steve Cohen does not believe Pete Alonso’s future with the team will be resolved before the season ends.
The 29-year-old, three-time All-Star, is eligible for free agency after the World Series. He hired Scott Boras as an agent last fall and avoided arbitration last month by agreeing to a one-year, $20.5 million deal.
“I don’t expect anything to happen before Pete hits free agency,” Cohen admitted Friday in a preview of the team’s official podcast called “Meet at the Apple.” “We are always open to conversations, but he has earned the right to know what he is worth and I support players doing that.”
Alonso had a .217 batting average, with a .318 on base, 46 home runs and 118 RBIs last year. This after Alonso hit .271, with 40 home runs and 131 RBIs, tying him for the major league high.
The 2019 National League Rookie of the Year had a league-record 53 home runs in 2019.
“Listen, we want him to stay,” Chen assured. “He is an important part of the team today and hopefully in the future.”
Cohen praised Alonso’s durability and ability to play under the New York spotlight. He also noted that he is a fan favorite by saying that: “He is not deaf.”
“I hope he has 55 home runs and makes it difficult for me in free agency,” Cohen said. “I would call it a great outcome.”
The Mets have shown that they are willing to reach long-term deals with their best players, including when they hit free agency. They signed Puerto Rican closer Edwin Díaz to a five-year, $102 million deal in November 2022 and agreed to terms on outfielder Brandon Nimmo’s deal for eight years and $162 million last month.
“Just like we ended up finding a way with Edwin Diaz and Brandon Nimmo, I hope we can do the same with Pete,” Cohen added.
Source: AP
2024-02-24 00:09:48
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