The only reason to trade Pete Alonso this offseason

The most surprising of the New York Mets rumors to pop up at this year’s trade deadline was the fact that Billy Eppler insisted the team wasn’t undergoing a fire sale and yet they did pretty much that. Pete Alonso is the big name from the group of players not under contract beyond 2024 who were allegedly discussed. The mere thought of trading Alonso is tough to believe because of what he means to the franchise, the fans, and the performance on the field. Even in an unusual down year where he was an All-Star, the offense runs through the Polar Bear.

We can commend the front office for due diligence in examining all possibilities. On the other hand, it seems like we were lied to. That’s a discussion we can have later on after Eppler and maybe even Steve Cohen address the public and further detail their mindset at this year’s trade deadline along with what the plan is going forward. Max Scherzer says next season is a transitional season per his conversation and he’s probably right.

Although Mets rumors about a potential Alonso trade never became anything, the circumstances remain the same. You don’t trade Alonso unless he turns down your best extension offer.

NY Mets rumors: Trading Pete Alonso is too big of a reset button to hit

The Mets are putting a lot of faith in their kids and we like it. Francisco Alvarez isn’t going anywhere. Brett Baty is getting his chance at third base. Other prospects on the rise seem to have a spot in the lineup carved out, too. The Mets could conceivably open next season with a lineup full of rookies and sophomores. There’s always something exciting about new faces, but it comes with the downside of requiring some patience.

Ideally, the Mets become a team shaped with a mix of young players, guys in their prime, and veterans. This season’s roster had those qualities with maybe a few too many veterans past their better days and rookies who hadn’t figured things out quite yet. Add in players in their prime years all underperforming and we have one of this year’s biggest trade deadline sellers.

The Mets didn’t completely tear it all down. Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Diaz are all under contract for several more seasons. They belong on a contender, not withering away on a franchise willing to wait. Alonso could just as easily fit into this group with a lengthy new contract of his own even if they all have to spend the 2024 campaign waiting for the next year. 

When Alonso gets his chance to sit down with the Mets brass, the two sides need to have a clear understanding of each other. Alonso needs to buy into their plan as much as they can buy into him.

If Alonso is okay with the 2024 season not having serious World Series aspirations, he’d like to stay in New York, the money is good, etc. then we should feel confident in a continued relationship on his part. The front office is where it’s harder to understand right now. Is Alonso someone the team believes should stick around? We like to think so, but who’d really have believed a week ago the last few days’ events would’ve unfolded?

The Mets now feel like a team that could trade any movable pieces. Alonso is one of their most valuable. This offseason is the time to slide the best contract extension offer they are willing to give over to him and then react accordingly. If he turns it down, they need to trade him.