5 upcoming NY Mets free agents in for a rude awakening this offseason

An athlete never knows their true dollar value until they become a free agent. There have been plenty of wake up calls for MLB free agents in recent years. Many have settled for much less than their agents believed they could get. We even saw the New York Mets sign a few players in this category. They had no choice but to bring their asking price down.

When these five upcoming Mets free agents go seeking a new deal, they’ll be in for a rude awakening, too. Their value hasn’t gone up. They may even be looking at a pay cut from their current contracts if they’re able to sign anywhere at all.

1) Pete Alonso

The loud, obnoxious wake up call for Pete Alonso may have already started. By simply changing agents last offseason and hiring Scott Boras, Alonso made a statement. He wanted money. This would trump all other aspects of free agent negotiations.

There have been rumors of Alonso turning down what are perceived reasonable offers. The famous 7-year deal worth $158 million seems like a far reach for what the Mets or anyone else would give the slugging first baseman this offseason. He hasn’t hit for nearly as much power or driven in the number of runs the Mets needed him to.

Free agency isn’t kind to first basemen; at least not anymore. Far too many have become busts. Ryan Howard. Albert Pujols. Miguel Cabrera to an extent. Those long contracts just don’t make sense anymore. How long are the New York Yankees going to pay Giancarlo Stanton to be a DH who misses 81 games a season?

Alonso should have taken the $158 million deal. His season has been so mediocre by his standards, it might even make sense for him to accept a qualifying offer and try again next offseason.