The New York Mets had a huge offseason with a number of big free-agent signings. While building through free agency is certainly important, they made a decision on homegrown first-baseman Pete Alonso on Friday that will keep him in New York.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mets have agreed to a one-year $14.5 million contract with Alonso to avoid arbitration that will extend his free agency to 2024.
First baseman Pete Alonso and the New York Mets are in agreement on a one-year, $14.5 million contract to avoid arbitration, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN. It's the largest number ever for a 1B in arb. Alonso will go through once more before free agency after 2024.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 14, 2023
This deal marks the largest contract that any first baseman has ever received in arbitration. That mark lasted for about 15 minutes, as first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also received the same amount on Friday night from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., agree at $14.5m to avoid arbitration, per source.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) January 14, 2023
Mets fans are certainly extremely excited by this news about Alonso and hope that they will be able to lock him up long-term before he hits free agency in 2024.
“What a steal for the Mets,” said Pete Hoffman of WFAN.
What a steal for the Mets. https://t.co/JdrrztpzGj
— Pete Hoffman (@HoffWFAN) January 14, 2023
“I have several biases here but the Mets should really try to lock Alonso up,” tweeted Kate Feldman of CBS Sports.
I have several biases here but the Mets should really try to lock Alonso up. https://t.co/krsfzz6KYD
— Kate Feldman (@kateefeldman) January 14, 2023
Pete Alonso has been an integral part of the Mets organization, hitting 40 home runs along with a career-high 131 RBIs while also slashing .271/.352/.518 on the year.
This short-term extension clearly shows how valuable the Mets think he is, and chances are it won’t be long before he is offered a longer-term deal by the Mets organization.
Related: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays agree to huge contract, avoid arbitration
