It’s crunch time – and the Pete Alonso saga isn’t exactly trending in the right direction.
Less than a week from February, the star first baseman remains unsigned, and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen isn’t holding back when it comes to his frustrations with the drawn-out negotiations.
During a fan event at Citi Field on Saturday, Cohen got candid—really candid—about the ongoing talks with Alonso and his agent, the infamous Scott Boras.
Cohen Gets Candid About Pete Alonso Negotiations
With chants of “We want Pete!” echoing through the stadium, Cohen addressed the elephant in the room head-on. And let’s just say he didn’t sugarcoat it.
“Personally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation,” Cohen admitted. “Soto was tough, this is worse.” Yikes. If signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract was “tough,” you can only imagine how much of a grind the Alonso situation has become.
And here’s the thing—Cohen insists the Mets have put a serious offer on the table, but the structure of Alonso’s counteroffers? Well, they’re not exactly sitting well with ownership. “I don’t like the structures that are being presented back to us,” Cohen said bluntly.
“I think it’s highly asymmetrical against us, and I feel strongly about it.” Translation? The Mets feel like they’re getting the short end of the stick, and Cohen isn’t about to cave just to keep one of the franchise’s most beloved sluggers.
Alonso’s Legacy with the Mets
Pete Alonso, who debuted in 2019 and immediately shattered the MLB rookie home run record with 53 bombs, has solidified himself as a cornerstone of the team.
Over six seasons, he’s belted 226 homers, ranking third all-time for the Mets. But as Cohen put it, the reality of a payroll packed with high-priced talent is making it increasingly difficult to find a financial fit for Alonso moving forward.
“I will never say no,” Cohen noted, leaving the door slightly ajar for a potential deal. “But the reality is we’re moving forward, and we continue to bring in players.” And with each new signing, that door might be closing just a little bit more.
What’s Next for the Mets?
In the end, it all comes down to the numbers—both on the field and in the checkbook. For now, Mets fans can only hope that something shifts in negotiations.
But if Cohen’s tone is any indication, it might be time to start preparing for a future without the Polar Bear in Queens.
