With Pete Alonso set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, the star first baseman has been involved in countless trade rumors. But with the trade deadline in the distant future, Alonso is trying to block out the noise.
New York has been unable to come to terms with Alonso on a contract extension. It seems unlikely that the Mets would let him walk into free agency with nothing in return. But before it gets to that point, Alonso is just trying to focus on baseball and getting the Mets back into contention, via Will Sammon of The Athletic.
“We're still a long ways away,” Alonso said. “We have at least two months. That's a lot of time. That's a lot of games left. It's not like the trade deadline is 10 days away. So I feel like there's plenty of time for us to make up ground and then also really showcase who we are as a team and what our potential can be.”
“The only thing I can control is my attitude and my play; I can't really control those decisions,” Alonso continued. “But for me, I love this place. I love putting on the uniform. This place is obviously very special to me. But the only thing I can control is my effort level on a day-to-day basis and how I can impact the game on the field.”
Despite high expectations, Alonso has struggled at the dish a bit in 2024. Through 52 games, the first baseman is hitting .230 with 12 home runs and 26 RBI. While the home runs are nice, New York is expecting Alonso to drive in a few more runs.
But he isn't the only one struggling on the Mets. At 22-30, New York is already 15 games back of the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. When the trade deadline comes, Alonso's future will once again be brought up. But for now, the All-Star just wants the Mets to win.
“The biggest way to solve it is to go out there and make it happen between the lines,” Alonso said. “That's really it. Yeah, we haven't been playing well. But the only way to solve it is to win.”
Why Pete Alonso is an enormous Mets trade chip
Despite any 2024 struggles, Pete Alonso's status as a hitter in MLB is unquestioned. He has made back-to-back All-Star games, getting elected to three overall during his career. Leading the way is his prodigious power as Alonso has smashed 204 home runs over his six-year career.
Alongside the long balls, the first baseman has hit .249 with 524 RBI. He is the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year and a two-time Home Run Derby champion alongside his All-Star accolades.
Batting average hasn't been Alonso's strongsuit throughout his MLB career, although he did peak at .271 in 2022. However, his home run ability will be tantalizing for any team in the league. Even if he only stays for one season, 40+ home runs – which Alonso had in 2022-23 – would bolster any roster.
He would be in a similar situation to Juan Soto with the New York Yankees. They traded for Soto knowing he is entering free agency hoping to make a World Series run. For a team with a serious power need, Alonso can be that answer.
But he has also spent the entirety of his MLB career with the Mets. Things might not be good now, but Alonso has seen it all and has become a team leader. New York doesn't want to see him leave.
Ultimately, it'll come down to contract negotiations. If Steve Cohen and company can offer a deal to Alonso's liking, perhaps he sticks around with the only MLB team he has ever known. But if it's clear there won't be a deal, Alonso must prepare for new pastures.
Until any trade or contract extension is agreed to however, Pete Alonso is focused on baseball.
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