An extension remains far from imminent for Mets star Pete Alonso.
The Mets haven’t engaged in contract talks with their homegrown slugger as he nears the start of his walk year, owner Steve Cohen said Sunday.
“We haven’t had any discussions, and I think at this point, as far as for Pete, it’s best for him to have a great year and not be distracted,” Cohen told reporters in Port St. Lucie. “I think it’s best for the ballclub. We know how to do this.”
Cohen’s comments mark the latest in a much-discussed saga hanging over the organization and Alonso, who is in line to become one of baseball’s top free agents next offseason.
The deep-pocketed Cohen said last month on the “Meet at the Apple” podcast that he hopes to keep the first baseman long-term, while Alonso indicated earlier in spring training that his only contract discussions revolved around this year’s $20.5 million deal to avoid arbitration.
Alonso, 29, hit at least 40 home runs and exceeded 100 RBI in three of his first five seasons, including last year when he led the Mets with 46 homers and 118 RBI. He is represented by Scott Boras, an agent notorious for seeking the biggest contracts for his clients.
The Mets are fresh off of a disappointing 2023 season in which they traded away high-priced co-aces Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer for prospects and missed the postseason at 75-87 despite a historic payroll.
Now led by president of baseball operations David Stearns, the Mets delivered a quiet offseason full of short-term deals, including for Luis Severino, Harrison Bader and Sean Manaea.
Big names including Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery remain unsigned, but Cohen downplayed the likelihood of the Mets adding to their roster this close to Opening Day, even with ace Kodai Senga (shoulder strain) set to begin the season on the injured list.
“That’s not my decision,” Cohen said Sunday. “That’s David’s decision, and obviously if there’s something to do, he’ll present it to me. Otherwise, the club looks good. We’re 10 days away from [the] first game so it’s getting a little late to add.”
After Cohen purchased the Mets in 2020, the billionaire set a goal to win the World Series within three-to-five years. On Sunday, he said “making the playoffs” would make 2024 a successful season.
He also touted the progress of the Mets’ minor-league system and stressed the organization is “following a plan” that will let the front office see what it has in some of its young players.
“This year, I think we’ve built up the floor of what’s possible,” Cohen said. “Listen, there are a couple great teams in the National League, but other than that, I think we’re as competitive as any other team.”
