3 biggest offseason fears for Mets fans

Sep 30, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) reacts
Sep 30, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) reacts / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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The Mets trade Pete Alonso

The number-one fear for the Mets this offseason has to do with their homegrown superstar, Pete Alonso. Alonso is in a contract-year and is looking for a huge deal, and the question remains whether the Mets will give it to him. While David Stearns says Alonso will be on the Opening Day lineup, the door is open for Alonso to be in a different uniform next April.

One team that has been strongly connected to Alonso is the Chicago Cubs, who tried to trade for him during the MLB trade deadline, and since the season ended, they brought in a new manager in Craig Counsell and are connected to Alonso yet again. Tons of teams will be interested in the first baseman if the Mets cannot seal the deal.

If the Mets do end up trading Alonso, this is the worst fear this offseason for three reasons.

First, it leaves a major hole for the Mets at both first-base and offensively. Alonso, since coming up to the league in 2018, has been the Mets' home run leader every year. In 2023, he led New York in RBI with 118 (Francisco Lindor was second with 98) and is one of the best offensive players for the Mets every year. If he gets traded, the Mets will need to find another 100-RBI player to fill that hole - Francisco Lindor can't be the only superstar for the team to compete.

Second, it sets a major precedent for the Mets players. Alonso is one of the franchise players, a locker room guy and a center of the team. If the Mets trade him, it sends a message that the team might not be ready to compete soon.

Third, it makes the Mets a less attractive location for the top free agents, trade pieces, and more. One of the main reasons the Mets have been competitive in recent years, including their 101 win season in 2022, and can be competitive for years to come is because of Alonso. Trading him immediately means the Mets are not as talented. Why would any player want to come to a team that traded away one of its stars?

So, what does this mean? Alonso better be in a Mets uniform for Opening Day and years to come. If not, it won't be good.

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