The Mets should bring Pete Alonso back only at the right price
There are as many Mets fans ready to move on from Pete Alonso entirely as there are ones who demand he stays. Then there’s the other 99% of us who want him back but only at the right price. The ridiculous rise of Mark Vientos and incoming bat of Ryan Clifford to the majors has already given the Mets a future look at what first base could look like without Alonso. Add in his struggles with runners in scoring position and it’s easier to say goodbye to a beloved member of the team.
The moment Alonso switched to Scott Boras as his agent was when many of us first shuttered at the thought of what’s next. It seemed like a slight heel turn. That’s the ugly side of the sports business. Players want to get paid and it’s their right to get every last dollar.
This doesn’t mean the Mets should bend over backwards to ensure Alonso stays in Flushing. Difficult to replace, the Mets will do themselves no favors by overpaying him. It’s not about Steve Cohen being cheap. It’s about being smart with where he spend. First base has become a spot on the diamond where unless the player is among the best at his position, you can get by with a little less offense if you’re able to improve the team elsewhere.
A hard bargain driven by Boras is expected. Alonso has already reportedly turned down some favorable deals from the Mets dating back to last summer. David Stearns can be shrewd with free agent deals. Alonso will be no exception if the contract demands are unreasonable.