Mets’ Stearns shares expected contract update of star player

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns joked throughout an look on Wednesday’s version of the “Foul Territory” program that he’d set one thing up “tomorrow” relating to the re-signing of All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso.

Stearns later indicated that Alonso will attain free company after the upcoming MLB season. 

“Pete is a very good participant,” Stearns defined, in accordance with Ryan Chichester of Audacy. “He’s carried out on a giant stage right here for a very long time…I understand how vital he’s to our fanbase. I believe the place we’re proper now, the place Pete is, is everyone seems to be gonna concentrate on this yr. The most effective factor for us is for Pete to have an amazing yr. The most effective factor for Pete is for Pete to have an amazing yr. After which we’ll go ahead from there.” 

Stearns formally joined the Mets shortly after the 2023 common season concluded and earlier than it was discovered that Alonso had hired Scott Boras as his new agent. 

Studies all through the winter have repeatedly suggested the 29-year-old will play in a contract yr until he surprisingly affords the Mets some type of low cost to commit his future to the one MLB residence he is recognized throughout his 5 campaigns within the massive leagues. 

“We’re actually invested in making an attempt to maintain Pete a Met,” Stearns added in the course of the dialog. “I’m hopeful that, over time, we’ll have the ability to work that out.” 

It was beforehand reported that Stearns and Mets proprietor Steve Cohen each understand the membership buying and selling Alonso at any level earlier than or in the course of the 2024 marketing campaign can be “unpopular” amongst followers. 

That actuality together with the truth that Stearns believes the Mets can compete for a playoff spot this yr suggests the “Polar Bear” is not going anyplace anytime quickly. 

Nonetheless, followers understandably have questions on how Stearns and Cohen might view Alonso’s long-term future if the membership is close to the underside of the division standings across the All-Star break. 

Cohen signed off on a fire sale to accumulate prospects final summer time, and ESPN’s Paul Hembekides mentioned in January that Stearns “by no means prioritized” first base throughout his eight seasons as an government with the Milwaukee Brewers.