Pete Alonso’s Return as Mets Make Re-Signing Official
New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns Knew Just as Much as the Next Unsuspecting Person When Assessing Pete Alonso’s Future
New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns knew just as much as the next unsuspecting person when assessing Pete Alonso’s future.
The slugging first baseman’s free agency process was one of the longer, “exhausting” ordeals of Major League Baseball’s offseason. Ineffective negotiations and declined deals lent to the idea that Alonso would not be back for a seventh season with the Mets, with reports suggesting such a thought as recently as late January.
“I didn’t know,” Stearns said on Wednesday. “At that point in time, I would’ve said that there was a real possibility he was going to end up elsewhere.”
The Lack of an External Market Allowed Cooler Heads to Prevail
The lack of an external market ultimately allowed cooler heads to prevail. Last week the Mets got back to the negotiating table with Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, and agreed to a two-year, $54 million deal that includes an opt-out after the 2025 campaign.
The Mets Make it Official on the First Day of Spring Training
A week after reports of the agreement first emerged, the Mets made it official on Wednesday; the first official day of spring training down in Port St. Lucie, FL.
“We just wanted to ensure he knew that we wanted him back, and I think he wanted to express the same to us,” Stearns said. “He wanted to express his desire to come back. It was important for both sides. These were long negotiations. A lot of back and forth. If you’re going to make a deal, I think it’s important for both sides to really feel and hear that both sides are very invested.”
Alonso’s Return Brings Excitement to the Mets’ Lineup
Alonso was at Mets facilities earlier this week to complete his physical, which was the final objective to clear before the signing was made official. He will now return to his normal spot in the middle of New York’s lineup as one of the league’s most threatening power hitters behind the likes of Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.
“I think Pete is thrilled to be back,” Stearns said. “You could see the genuine excitement he had to be back in this building.”
For more on Pete Alonso and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
Conclusion
In the end, the Mets were able to re-sign Pete Alonso to a two-year deal, ensuring his return to the team for the 2024 season. The agreement came after a lengthy negotiation process, with both sides showing their commitment to reaching a deal.
FAQs
* What did David Stearns say about Pete Alonso’s future?
David Stearns said that at one point, he thought there was a real possibility Alonso would end up elsewhere.
* How long was the negotiation process for Alonso’s contract?
The negotiation process was long and exhausting, with ineffective negotiations and declined deals.
* When did the Mets make the signing official?
The Mets made the signing official on the first day of spring training in Port St. Lucie, FL.
* What is the length of Alonso’s new contract?
Alonso’s new contract is for two years, with an opt-out after the 2025 campaign.
