New York Mets star Pete Alonso doesn't know what his future holds with free agency on the horizon, but he said he's considering staying with the team his entire career.
“I love it here,” Alonso said on Saturday, his first time speaking publicly since the end of last season. “I definitely envisioned myself being a lifer, and that's something I've definitely thought about. … I welcome the idea, but I can't predict the future.
Alonso is preparing to play the 2024 season and hit the open market next fall. Barring a big surprise, there will be no spring negotiations between the Mets and Alonso about a long-term contract extension.
Last month, The athlete It was reported that the Mets and Alonso agreed to a one-year, $20.5 million contract to avoid arbitration.
Shortly before the deal, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said he was not concerned about Alonso's ability to handle the stress of an unresolved contract situation looming during the season.
“I think Pete has proven he can handle pressure well,” Stearns said. “He performed at a very high level in a high-pressure environment.”
“Be yourself. Don't try to do too much,” manager Carlos Mendoza said of potential advice for Alonso.
Mendoza was with the Yankees across town when Aaron Judge put together one of the best decade years in the history of the sport, breaking the American League record for home runs. “There's no difference here with Pete.”
Alonso said he was in listening mode regarding a long-term deal with the Mets. The only conversation he and his agents had with the Mets was regarding the one-year arbitration settlement.
Alonso's January deal came after he hired BorasCorp, the powerful agency run by Scott Boras, in October to represent him. Boras has a reputation for taking most of his best players to free agency.
“Scott and his team are the best representation of me and my family, that's all,” Alonso said when asked why Boras was hired.
Last year, Alonso's salary reached $14.5 million, a record for a first baseman in his second time through the arbitration process. He hit .217 with 46 home runs and 118 RBIs in 154 games and earned his third All-Star selection.
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(Photo: Gregory Fisher/USA Today)
