Mets: Weighing the pros and cons of an early Pete Alonso contract extension

What should the Mets do?

We all think we know what’s best for the Mets. From answering who should bat leadoff to which pitcher should face the toughest lefty in the other team’s lineup when there is no southpaw left in our bullpen, we always think we know the answer.

I believe it’s a little tougher to know what to do when money is involved. From a hands-off look at things, of course the Mets should extend Alonso. It’s not my money. There’s no salary cap in baseball either.

We cannot look at things that way. We know better—whether it’s a Wilpon signing the checks or somebody else.

Taking this into account with the pros and cons weighed, there’s obviously no rush to sign Alonso to an early extension. Although we see other teams locking up their young stars early, we have to realize all situations are different.

Weighing heaviest for the Mets is that there are others the club has to look at before Alonso. As much as I would love to know Alonso is in blue and orange by the time I’m almost 40, it’s by far not the most pressing need.

The Mets need to continue building around Alonso and reward him well during his early rookie contract and arbitration years. They did the right thing already, giving him a record $652,000 deal for his second season in 2020. Whether or not he’ll get the full thing doesn’t matter. He’s already well ahead of the curve and should get rewarded for at least a few more seasons.

I do expect Alonso to eventually get his extension. However, it won’t happen until sometime after the 2021 season when his arbitration seasons begin and the club has already made their decision on Conforto and Syndergaard.

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By then, we should also know better what Alonso is worth. My guess is it’ll be every penny he gets paid and maybe even more.