He appears Alonso House Go, go, go.
The first Amazin’ Day Fan Fest at Citi Field didn’t bring with it a dramatic resolution to Alonso’s free Saga – but it does seem to confirm that New York MetsThe most popular hitters with a lot of energy will likely sign elsewhere as spring training approaches.
“We made an important offer for Pete,” Mets owner Steve Cohen explained during a conversation, with president of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza. “This has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation.
“Soto was difficult,” Cohen said, referring to the talks that ended with the Slugger star signing in New York Juan Soto to a record $765 million, 15 years ago last month. “This is worse.”
Alonso, who like Soto is represented by agent Scott Boras, has been a fan favorite since his arrival in 2019, when he hit a home run of 53. The 30-year-old first baseman has 226 homers, third-most in franchise history, and saved New York from being eliminated. Qualifying last October with a car ride milwaukee closer Devin Williams In Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series.
A standing room-only crowd in the Piazza Club cheered, as Cohen and Stearns fielded a question about Alonso’s negotiations from moderator Gary Cohen, the Mets’ play-in announcer on SNY.
“I think we all love Pete, and we’ve said that many times,” said Stearns, who spoke before Steve Cohen. “I think we’ve gone through that process, we’ve continued to express that. And we also understand that this is a business and Pete, as a free agent, deserves the right and has the right to — earned the privilege, really, to know what’s out there.
“We also feel good about the young players coming through our system,” Stearns said for some light dirt. “We saw that last year. And that’s not always the most popular opinion, but we saw that last year. And we’ll need to see it again.”
Alonso and his colleague Boras are a client Alex Bregman They are the most notable players still unsigned from what has been a great free agent market for cornerbacks. former Arizona First baseman Christian Walker ($60 million for three years with Houston) is the only NFL player to ink a multi-year contract. Josh Belland Carlos Santana and 2022 NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt All deals are for one year.
“I don’t like the structures that are presented to us,” Steve Cohen said. “It’s very asymmetrical against us and I feel it strongly. I wouldn’t say no. You know, there’s always a possibility.
“But the reality is that as we move forward, we continue to bring in players. And while we continue to bring in players, the reality is that it is difficult to contain Pete with an already very expensive group of players.”
Brett Patty and Mark VentusEach of them, who worked through the farm system as third basemen, said Saturday that they were taking reps at first base this winter. Mendoza said he likes the Mets’ depth at the position, including Joey Minniswho hit 29 homers in the previous three seasons Washington Nationals Before signing a minor deal with New York in November.
Hours before the management panel, Alonso’s teammates — as well as Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza — expressed hope that he and the club could reunite.
“I would love to see Pete with us, but I also understand that I don’t make those decisions and that’s between Pete, our front office, David and Steve.” Brandon Growth He said.
“Listen, he’s a special player — guys who can hit 40 homers just don’t walk down the street,” Piazza said. “When he’s really on his game, he’s a special player. From a personal point of view, I hope they work something out.”
Amazin’ Day included 18 panels about the Mets’ past, present and future, and featured more than 50 players, alumni and prospects in attendance. Fans were able to tour Citi Field, including the clubhouse and stadium.
Notes: Soto was expected to attend but four potential flights from the Dominican Republic had been cancelled. Aviation issues also prevented Dedniel Núñez and Huascar Brazobán from making their expected visits. Nimmo and Francisco Lindor They said they expect to be 100% when the Mets have their first full spring training workout on February 17.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
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