Mets star Pete Alonso, who recently hired Scott Boras to represent him, is set for free agency after the 2024 season. But there remains a chance -- though perhaps slim -- that he won't get there.
When president of baseball operations David Stearns was asked on Wednesday about Alonso's future, he said an extension will be discussed this offseason.
"We're going to have those conversations," Stearns said during an appearance on MLB Network from the GM Meetings. "I'm generally of the mind that I try to keep those conversations out of the public dialogue."
Added Stearns:
"I'd like to have those conversations behind closed doors. I think they're most productive that way."
Speaking later on Wednesday, Boras said he recently Met with Stearns to discuss "philosophies and ideologies," and that he let Stearns know "when it comes to the Polar Bear, we are not in contract hibernation."
When asked what makes Alonso valuable, Boras cited not only his power, but his durability, leadership, and a desire to keep improving defensively at first base.
That Stearns plans to engage Alonso on an extension should not be a surprise, since those comments jibe with what he said about the first baseman during his introductory news conference on Oct. 2
"I know over the summer there was some trade speculation, and look I’ll just say I expect Pete to be the Opening Day first baseman next year," Stearns said. "Pete’s an important member of this team, he’s an important member of this organization, and I think we’re really fortunate to have him."
There was some trade buzz surrounding Alonso during the 2023 deadline as the Mets dealt Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and others, but SNY's Andy Martino reported soon after that it was "hard to find anyone in the Citi Field offices" who believed the Mets would trade Alonso this offseason.
The above matches what Stearns has said both times he's weighed in.