Mets pitchers and catchers have officially reported to spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., but many position players have also been spotted around the complex, including first baseman Pete Alonso.
Coming off an All-Star season in which he slashed .271/.352/.518 with 40 homers and 131 RBI, Alonso and the Mets agreed to a one-year, $14.5 million contract to avoid arbitration this offseason, but with the slugging first baseman set to become a free agent following the 2024 campaign, questions about Alonso inking a long-term contract have become more and more frequent.
Meeting with reporters on Wednesday, Alonso was asked about the potential for a new deal following teammate Jeff McNeil signing a four-year, $50 million extension in late January.
“I’m super, super happy for Jeff,” Alonso said. “I mean, he’s a great, great player and he deserves his contract, but personally, I just don’t feel comfortable talking about any contractual stuff, and if you have any questions in that regard, you can always ask my agent.”
“There’s a lot of speculation, but for me, I’m just really happy to be here,” he later added. “I’m really happy to be a Met, and I’m really looking forward to this year and I really want to come here and just work hard and focus on the 2023 season at hand. This is a really special group of guys. I love this team, I love representing the city of New York, I love representing the New York Mets, and it’s a great place to play.
“For me, I’m just really happy of where I’m at and regarding the future, I don’t know what it holds. So, for me, I’m a New York Met in 2023 and I’m really happy and really stoked to be here. We have a hell of a team and it’s going to be a really exciting season.”
Entering his age-28 season, Alonso has already built an impressive resume, winning the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year Award, earning two All-Star appearances, and smashing 146 home runs in 530 games with two Home Run Derby crowns.
Alonso was asked if he’s thought about playing his entire career with the Mets or if he had some curiosity about hitting the open market when the time comes. But instead of getting too far ahead of things, Alonso maintained that his focus is solely on the 2023 season, though he did add how much he enjoys playing in New York.
“I just know that I’m a New York Met in 2023 and I’m really happy and fortunate to be here,” he said. “I mean, I love the city and I love the fanbase and I love being here. I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and really any speculation or anything in the future, I don’t know, but I love it here.”