MLB Rumors: Pete Alonso Was Offered 7-Year, $158M Mets Contract Extension in 2023

The New York Mets reportedly engaged with slugger Pete Alonso regarding a long-term contract extension in June 2023.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets made an offer through Alonso's agency for seven years and $158 million. Sherman noted that the contract was influenced by Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson, who signed an eight-year deal worth $168 million to stay with the team prior to the 2022 season.

However, an agreement was not reached and Alonso remains slated to hit unrestricted free agency in 2025.

Despite the reported offer, the two sides "never got close to a deal" which resulted in New York's front office having trade talks involving Alonso with the Chicago Cubs in July, according to Sherman.

That may not be the case in 2024 regardless of the 29-year-old's impending free agency, with the New York Post's Jon Heyman revealing on May 2 that Alonso "isn't too likely to be traded."

While he's struggled at the plate by posting a career-low .765 OPS through 44 games, the three-time All-Star has maintained his power in the middle of the Mets' lineup. His 10 home runs are tied for 10th among all players and his 23 RBIs are the second-most on the team behind outfielder Brandon Nimmo.

Alonso doesn't appear to be worried about his uncertain future, telling Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic that free agency is something that he's "not particularly thinking about" during the season.

"We'll see what happens this winter. It's a big question mark," he added. "For me, right now, I'm just focusing on doing what I can to help us win every day."

The Mets have struggled despite a strong month of April, sitting at No. 4 in the NL East with a record of 20-24. Their next opportunity to make up some ground in the NL postseason race will come during a matchup with the Miami Marlins on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET.