Report: Alonso Rejected “Last-Ditch” Offer in $68-70 Million Range

Updated Post – Jan. 16 at 18:49

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Mets made a “last-ditch” effort to sign Pete Alonso, offering him a three-year deal in the range of $68-70 million, which Alonso rejected. The deal included opt-outs, which would have raised the value of the deal if Alonso stayed in New York for all three years. Sherman adds that Alonso’s camp is seeking a deal with a much higher average annual value, beyond the Mets’ comfort zone.

In the event that Alonso signs elsewhere, the current plan is for the Mets to slide Mark Vientos over to first base and give one of Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, or Luisangel Acuña a shot to play third base. Sherman notes that the Mets plan on spending on one of the many relievers available on the free-agent market.

Updated Post – Jan. 16 at 13:33

Andy Martino of SNY reports the Mets have signed Jesse Winker as a pivot to Plan-B, as they consider Pete Alonso signing somewhere else as the most likely outcome. Earlier on Thursday, The Athletic reported that the Blue Jays are involved in the Alonso market, which is heating up.

Updated Post – Jan. 16 at 12:30

Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report that the Toronto Blue Jays are one of three teams involved in the market for Pete Alonso that’s heating up. They report that if the Blue Jays sign Alonso, they would still prefer to keep star Vlad Guerrero Jr., though a recent report suggests the Mets have at least had conversations with Toronto about the slugger.

The Athletic confirms the New York Post report from Wednesday night that the Mets would like a resolution soon with Alonso. They also report the Mets are in active talks with other players, which would make it challenging to fit Alonso into their plans if they acquire one of those players.

Updated Post – Jan. 15 at 20:35

The New York Post reports the Mets have told the representatives for Pete Alonso that they would like a decision soon on whether the two sides can come to a deal.

The Mets would like time to pivot if Alonso isn’t returning, and pitchers and catchers report in less than a month in Port St. Lucie.

Original Post – Jan. 10 at 09:23

Despite his status as one of the top hitters left on the free agent market, there had been little to no momentum towards a deal with either the New York Mets or another club for Pete Alonso.

That could all change with the snap of a finger, however, as a report from SNY’s Jim Duquette on Twitter suggests that the Mets and Alonso’s camp are working to find a tenable resolution for both parties that would bring the right-handed slugger back to Queens.

Duquette stated that Alonso’s camp, which features agent Scott Boras, has put forth a three-year deal with opt-outs that is only currently available to New York while adding that no agreement is close at the moment.

Furthermore, SNY’s Andy Martino has reported that both sides have continued negotiations with the intention of making progress before long. Boras also told SNY that Prince Fielder‘s nine-year, $214 million deal with the Detroit Tigers from 2012 holds no relevance to Alonso’s free agency despite the fact that it was rumored as a potential comparison during contract talks.

The most likely outcome for Alonso has always been a short-term pact with several opt-outs and a higher average annual value, much like the one Cody Bellinger signed with the Chicago Cubs last offseason.

Though Alonso is one of baseball’s premier power hitters, teams have been hesitant to dish out a sizable contract to him as a 30-year-old right-handed hitter who is a poor defender at first base and has seen his numbers regress in recent seasons.

As such, a reunion with New York and a chance to hit behind the newly-acquired Juan Soto in the Mets’ lineup has felt like a resolution for Alonso. He can recoup his value in a familiar environment and build on his legacy with the team that drafted him nine years ago while having some financial security as well.

Another organization could always swoop in and make Alonso an offer that he can’t refuse, but Duquette’s report is a positive sign as it pertains to his chances of remaining in the orange and blue.

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