MLB Rumors: Pete Alonso, Mets 'Making Progress' on Contract; NYM Want Fast Resolution

There are reportedly still ongoing conversations between the New York Mets and Pete Alonso, although the team is hoping for a relatively quick solution.

Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Wednesday the two sides are "making progress on at least the structure of a proposed deal that's expected to be for three years and include at least one opt out."

Still, they also noted there remains a "substantial financial hurdle" and that the Mets want a decision "soon" in case they have to focus elsewhere if they cannot come to terms on a deal.

While Alonso is a four-time All-Star who has helped anchor the Mets' lineup in recent years, he may not have as much leverage as one would assume.

Sherman and Heyman explained that first basemen such as Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Burger, Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Naylor, Carlos Santana and Christian Walker have all found homes this offseason, while the Detroit Tigers addressed the position by moving Colt Keith.

That doesn't leave that many teams with obvious openings at the position, so the Mets aren't exactly bidding against half the league in these negotiations.

That may be why they are "holding the line on both the length and dollars of their short-term offer, which includes an opt-out after the first year," per Andy Martino of SNY. Martino noted New York would like to bring Alonso back at the right price but will move in a different direction if need be following the negotiations.

The 30-year-old brings plenty to the table as an offensive force.

His resume includes the four All-Star Games, a National League Rookie of the Year and three seasons with at least 40 home runs, including when he launched 53 as a rookie in 2019.

He slashed .240/.329/.459 with 34 home runs and 88 RBI last season after finishing the 2023 campaign with 46 long balls and 118 RBI. Alonso also led the league in RBI with 131 in 2022 after leading the league in homers as a rookie.

It seems like New York is fine with him fitting in alongside Juan Soto in the lineup in the immediate future but isn't as willing to commit too many resources to him long term at this stage of his career.