Mets’ Reported 3-Year Contract Offer to Pete Alonso Was More Than Fair

A Fair Offer

Pete Alonso’s market continues to shrink and now, the New York Mets appear as though they are moving on from their former franchise slugger.

The 30-year-old first baseman and his agent, Scott Boras, have misplayed the market. The hope of a long-term deal worth over $200 million quickly went up in smoke, and now, a shorter-term deal cannot be found with the last few circling clubs.

Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns Remains Firm

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has remained firm on his stance regarding Alonso potentially reuniting with the Mets. He reportedly offered a three-year deal in the $68 million to $70 million range with an opt-out after the first year that Alonso rejected, signaling that it very well could be time to move on.

This after Alonso said he was willing to accept a three-year deal with opt-outs only from the Mets.

A Fair Comparison

The latest proposal would pay Alonso more money annually than the seven-year, $158 million extension sent his way by former general manager Billy Epper during the summer of 2023. That extension offer would have paid him an average annual value (AAV) of $22.5 million. Stearns’ three-year, $70 million offer would have paid him $23.3 million per year.

Alonso and Boras likely consider this an underpay, but a contract with that AAV would have put him near the top of all first basemen in baseball.

Comparing Alonso to Other First Basemen

Only four first basemen make more than an average of $23.3 million annually on their contracts.

The Toronto Blue Jays and superstar slugger Vladimir Guerrero avoided arbitration this winter by settling on a one-year, $28.5 million before he potentially hits free agency next offseason. Guerrero is five years younger than Alonso and has a batting average that is 45 points higher and an OPS that is 52 points higher since the start of the 2021 season.

Freddie Freeman is arguably the greatest first baseman of this generation, an MVP, and a two-time World Series champion. He is making $27 million AAV with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kris Bryant’s disastrous contract with the Colorado Rockies pays him $26 million per year, and Bryce Harper makes an average of $25.3 million per season with the Philadelphia Phillies. But both were not signed to their big free-agent deals as first basemen. Bryant started life in Colorado in left field while Harper was signed as a right fielder.

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson, who has not missed a game in the first three years of his eight-year, $168 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, has averaged 39 home runs and 113 RBI since the start of the 2022 season. He averages $21 million annually.

Conclusion

Consider that with a 2024 season that saw him post career-worst numbers in a full season — 34 home runs, 88 RBI, and a.788 OPS — it does not feel as though the Mets have lowballed one of their top homegrown products.

For more on Pete Alonso and the Mets, visit AMNY.com

FAQs

Q: Why did the Mets offer Pete Alonso a three-year deal?

A: The Mets offered Alonso a three-year deal to keep him with the team, but he rejected it.

Q: How much did the Mets offer Alonso?

A: The Mets offered Alonso a three-year deal in the $68 million to $70 million range with an opt-out after the first year.

Q: Why did Alonso reject the Mets’ offer?

A: Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, likely considered the offer an underpay and are seeking a longer-term deal worth more money.

Q: What is the average annual value (AAV) of the Mets’ offer?

A: The AAV of the Mets’ offer is $23.3 million per year.

Q: How does Alonso’s offer compare to other first basemen?

A: Alonso’s offer is comparable to other top first basemen in the league, including Vladimir Guerrero, Freddie Freeman, and Matt Olson.