Mets and Alonso Are Left with Only Each Other in Free Agency

[@StarCooki3]

Only place Alonso going is Met HOF , as he plays 1b and bats 4th for us - WHERE HE BELONGS!!! He’s Family …

[@fr2ncm9]

Only on a team-friendly deal. There is a reason why everyone passed on him. He's not an athletic 1B. He's had two bad seasons in a row, and his exit velocity went down this year. He's this years Jordan Montgomery. I think they will wait him out until late January or early February. I wouldn't give him more than four years and a team option for the fifth year.

[@FMorgigno1]

Not so sure signiing with Boras was in Pete’s best interest.

[@Gemz0001]

Pete is greedy! He should've accept the Mets initial offer 😏

[@jmsnails12]

His shit year. Messed him up hard. Lol that's what he gets for stealing an allstar spot from his Lindor. Lol

[@dashx1103]

@@Gemz0001With 20/20 hindsight, sure, it is easy to say Pete made a mistake. But as Ryan points out, that offer was mid-season 2023. I think it is easy to see why Pete didn’t bite. I don’t blame him. And I wouldn’t call him greedier than most players … everyone is trying to maximize their value.

[@Gemz0001]

@@dashx1103 True! Boras is his agent and smells like cheese! However many talented signed with the respective clubs and stayed! Ask the Braves!.. They won a title 🏆

[@popthetrunkk6500]

@@jmsnails12He was voted in don’t be ignorant

[@paulrevere-e6y]

Lindor/SS Bregman 3B Soto/RF Alonso/1B Vientos/DH Alvarez/C Nimmo LF Acuna/McNeil/ 2B Siri/ CF

[@fr2ncm9]

I don't think the Mets are going to sign Bregman and Alonso. They need another pitcher. I don't want Castillo anymore. He's going to be 32, pitched meh away from Safeco field. He also will cost a lot more in prospect capital. I think they can make a trade with Diamondbacks for Jordan Montgomery.

[@steveninsinna1743]

It appears that the Mets and Pete need each other. Does Stearns value Pete at the value that meets Pete's expectations. Stearns does not IMHO. Stearns is most likely willing to move Ventos to 1B and slot someone at 3B. There are also trade options out there. I hope Pete remains with the Mets but it is not a sure thing.

[@johncummings5350]

I agree ... Pete's a good Met.....I like the coverage in the order most with him in the lineup. Stearns may be looking to add someone at third base but I don't like those options as much as Pete. They need to find a number that gets him to ink a deal. Both sides need to get this deal done. Pete's not being snubbed and I hope he realizes that. Sometimes meeting in the middle is best for both sides. I hope Pete doesn't make a mistake and get too stubborn. He will get enough money to support generations of Alonsos. Leaving NY because enough isn't enough would be a mistake for both Pete and his NY fans.

[@MadelaineSchmidt]

Thank you so very much for this show Ryan awesome !

[@stevenwinograd2757]

Ryan, your analysis is always amazing. On this segment you convinced me that signing both would be a good idea. I’m hoping that history will prove the Cohen/Stearns partnership will dominate in the NL for many years to come!!

[@emiliothepoet]

This puts the Mets back in the driver’s seat. If I’m the Mets I DO NOT GIVE IN AT ALL! You already did it for Soto. Pete either takes the value the Mets set or he can sign a 1 year deal with the Mets and see if he can improve on an abysmal last season minus the playoff heroics.

[@gerardschaefer6495]

He clearly had contract year in his head. And that would make it that again. Maybe 2 years with a player option after 1for less pressure?

[@MadelaineSchmidt]

@@gerardschaefer6495❤❤❤totally agree with you yes !!

[@emiliothepoet]

@ look he’s in no condition to set the terms. If he doesn’t like the pressure. He’s in the wrong line of work. At the end of the day Soto is in the lineup. If they doesn’t alleviate pressure than nothing will.

[@bena4072]

No - Alonso likes baseball pressure but not contract pressure. Give him 23/year for 5 years with an opt out after 3. For context, Nimmo’s AAV is 20.5/yr for many years to come. I think Alonso is worth 2.5/yr more than Nimmo.

[@stanfromwestport2024]

The notion that Pete's 2024 regular season was "abysmal" is not accurate...Yes, his hitting with runners on-base wasn't great, and he looked bad in many at-bats as far as taking too many strikes and swinging at too many balls, but his HR, RBI & OPS was good relative to the NL stats leaders, but below his historic performance..."Abysmal" is too detracting, perhaps "underperforming his past seasons" is a bit more fair and accurate...??

[@jimmywu888]

using soto, a player in his prime, as a benchmark for signing players in their 30’s is the dumbest thing this offseason

[@1metts]

Mets and Pete want each other but wanted to see what's out there and what's better. Now reality is Pete best bet is the Mets. Mets could wait for next year or continue with Pete, homegrown

[@MegaChrissypissy]

I been saying the whole offseason Pete would end up back at around 23 a year for 6 years. That’s a fair deal on both sides. Looks like it will be close to this

[@dashx1103]

I think, without knowing, that the current standoff is Pete wanting 7 and the Mets willing to give 5.

[@ArtofFreeSpeech]

Why on earth would you give a 6 year contract to a guy clearly on the decline, with the history of RH power hitting 1bmen being extremely poor after hitting 30? Stearns would be a moron if he did that.

[@MegaChrissypissy]

@ I rather a 5 year deal that was just my prediction before free agency started. If he gets a 6 year deal I don’t think it’s terrible. He’ll be age 35 going in his six year. He could be a good DH at that point and Christian walker is going into this year at 34 and seems to still be playing good. I personally don’t think Pete’s best days are behind him. I think he has a few 40 plus HR years ahead of him.

[@stanfromwestport2024]

@@ArtofFreeSpeech Pete's MOST recent performance was in the 13 Playoffs Games, in which he performed well - .273 BA, 4 HRs, 10 RBIs & OPS of 0.999...Translating into 162 Game averages HRs are 49 and RBIs are 124...That is hardly the "decline" you claim and was accomplished under the pressure of performing in the MLB Playoffs...Contrast that performance with Judge, and even Soto who had 4 HRs & 9 RBIs in 14 Playoff Games in 2024...So the facts, at least as far as those 13 all-important Playoff Games go, show that Pete is hardly "clearly on the decline"

[@ArtofFreeSpeech]

@@stanfromwestport2024 Yeah, uh, you don't count small sample sizes like this as indicative as future performance. Rey Ordonez once hit .316 over a full season, but he only played in 34 games. Small sample sizes aren't useful.

[@bena4072]

Mets just lost leverage with all the other 1Bs off the board-Boras won’t flinch, he’ll maximize how much Alonso is worth to the Mets, especially with Seattle and Nationals threatening. They would both dive in on a multi-year deal.

[@EricJones-ms9ms]

Thanks for you content, always appreciate your thoughts and insights. Can you comment on the impact that Vlad Jr. has had on what moves teams were willing to make this year given that he is a free agent next year? Feels like if he wasn’t looming Pete would have had more suitors for a long term deal.

[@DJxGameHunter]

I think Stearns played the market well. Didn’t jump the gun. Now you can get Pete back on a very team friendly deal

[@LockedOnMets]

This is what Stearns does best. He knows how to negotiate, he knows how to be patient and do what’s best for the team. Now it’ll likely save the Mets a good amount of money in this case.

[@stiben718]

Similar situation might be happening with Sean Manaea

[@stanfromwestport2024]

@@stiben718 Perhaps...But, the difference between the two is that Pete's career versus his peers at the plate is far better than Sean Manaea's lifetime performances on the mound...Pete had a somewhat down year for him in 2024, but came back strong in the Playoffs, while Manaea had his best Year by far in 2024

[@stiben718]

@@stanfromwestport2024 what I meant is the part where Stearns isn’t rushing to sign both of these guys but letting the market play out and ultimately getting a more team friendly deal. Also both guys turned down Mets qualifying offers so whoever signs them will have to give up draft picks meaning the Mets have a slight advantage already from the get go of re-signing these guys versus another team, and so can afford to wait it out.

[@stanfromwestport2024]

@@stiben718 Great point @stiben

[@docnoc66]

Hi Ryan - Sign Pete ! btw yanks signed Goldschmidt yesterday

[@ArtofFreeSpeech]

I don't know anyone really who, at this point, feels like Alonso is signing other than with the Mets. The arguments start when you talk about the contract. If I'm Stearns, I'm holding Pete's feet to the fire. That 7/158 contract is long gone. With all the other suitors gone, Stearns is bidding only against himself, and the Mets are better off letting Pete sit out a year than overpaying him for a long term deal when history suggests he's only got another year or 2, 3 on the outside, of being productive. I'd give him a decent AAV... something in the range of what Christian Walker signed for, but only for 3 years... 4 at the absolute most, and make it a take it or leave it offer. Give him an opt out after year 1, maybe throw in some incentives for leading the league in HRs, RBIs, finishing high in the MVP voting, but I'm absolutely against giving him a long term deal at an unreasonably high AAV.

[@RayCharound]

I’d offer Pete the same extension they offered last year, minus one year. Maybe add an additional $1 per year to show you care. It was a very fair contract to both sides. Still is

[@dashx1103]

I think just one additional dollar per year would seem like an insult.

[@stanfromwestport2024]

That is an excellent suggestion...!! Pete/Boras can justify because Pete stepped up in the Playoffs...METS can justify it by paying a "home-grown" player while reducing the Years to 5

[@MadelaineSchmidt]

Wow ❤very interesting! We need Pete just sign Pete now Mets !!!

[@fr2ncm9]

It's not your money. The Mets still need a starter, and they don't want to go too far over the luxury tax. If Cohen continues to spend freely and thumb his nose at MLB, they will tighten the Luxury tax rules even more.

[@user-hh5rn4jz6o]

5 for 110. Love it. Fair market value. He can ask Boras to cover the extra 48M

[@rickcuban322]

Sorry, Ryan cordially and respectfully disagree. If Pete doesn’t work out, you have to give Baty another shot. Can you imagine not giving him a shot and then he does it for another team like Vientos did for the Mets? There’s too much upside on this kid. And you keep it internal, from the farm homegrown and a lot cheaper.

[@fr2ncm9]

I totally agree. Everyone looks at Baty's aggregate numbers. In 2023, the Mets essentially promoted him directly from AA to the majors. Very few hitters can successfully make that jump. In 2024, he started off well but his numbers tanked in May. He's the kind of player I don't give up on.

[@emiliothepoet]

I honestly think the Mets are doing Pete a favor when and if they try signing him for more than $20 million. A 3 year $75 million is the most. Boras declines and then Pete signs a 1 year $25 - $30 million with the Mets as a prove it deal right before spring training. If I’m the Mets I DO NOT OFFER PETE a 5-7 year deal at all!

[@dashx1103]

I think, if he’s signs with the Mets, it will be five years. I think Pete wants more years, which he won’t get. The last thing Pete or the Mets is another “contract year.” That seemingly got into Pete’s head last year. Sign him for 5 at a strong AAV and move forward.

[@Joe-j1f]

If we get Alex Bregman and Pete, we’re not getting Vlad because there’s no spot for him

[@CautionHighWavesAhead-]

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has some teams holding out instead of signing Pete plus some doubts about him so Pete is backed into a corner now. Could the Mets DH Pete, put Vientos in left field and put Vladdy at first?

[@fr2ncm9]

So far, I like Stearns under-the-radar moves with the exception of Frankie Montas. I'd like to see them trade for Jordan Montgomery. The Diamondbacks are pretty desperate to rid themselves of his contract. He's not going to be a risk because you only have to pay him for one year. I think they could get him for Jose Buto and a mid-tier prospect.

[@jeremiahraggie464]

Or maybe Marte and some cash

[@ultramet]

Alonso brought this upon himself. He turned down a 7 year contract and followed that up with the worst walk year since Conforto. He has no market after posting a 2.6 WAR

[@LockedOnMets]

Yeah, turning down that deal has proven to be a big mistake on his end. Wonder if he’d be willing to settle for a shorter contract to have another chance to land a big contract in a few years.

[@ultramet]

@ Ryan one more thing. Mets have leverage here as he doesn’t have much of a market. I would offer him a 1 year “prove it” contract as he might have a breakout year with Soto here. That would also free him from a compensation pick. If he posts a 4+ WAR he would increase his value tremendously. Also, I live in LA and if it weren’t for your podcast my hours stuck in traffic on the 405 would be miserable. Great job! 👏

[@quetzalflight5790]

😊HAPPY TO HAVE YOGI BEAR HANGING OUT WITH POLAR BEAR AS DH . STAY HERE WE US PETE , JUST WORK OUT ON GYMNASTICS AND PROPER DIET IN THESE MONTHS TIL ⚾️

[@vincentzincone8012]

Three years at 23 million per for Alonso.

[@dashx1103]

I’ll be shocked if Pete signs for three years.

[@MadelaineSchmidt]

Yes!!

[@ArtofFreeSpeech]

@@dashx1103 He very well may not have a choice. People were saying last year that Snell and Montgomery wouldn't sign for one year. Both did. Conforto said he wouldn't sign for one year. He went without a contract, and then ended up signing a one year deal.

[@dashx1103]

@@ArtofFreeSpeech Like I said, I’d be shocked. Guess we’ll see.

[@stanfromwestport2024]

Walker is 33 and Pete is 30, so three years seems light for Pete...

[@danalden3531]

I think Pete has a ranch in Wyoming which would make Seattle a little easier

[@stiben718]

Nimmo was born in Wyoming. Don’t think Pete has any property there though

[@fr2ncm9]

No hitter in their right mind wants to play at Safeco Field. The combination of the marine air layer and a non-existent batting eye make it very hard to hit there.

[@jasonalicea2574]

I’ve been listening for a while now, but this is my first time commenting. Thanks for the consistent, balanced takes.

[@stanfromwestport2024]

Thumbs up...Ryan is very even-keel, insightful and factual on all his You-Tube Channel productions re the METS

[@marvlarson2403]

Cincinnati would be the perfect place for Alonso.

[@PattiInNYC]

No team was taking Peter Morgan Alonso from the Mets, and the Mets are not signing anyone other than Peter Morgan Alonso. That is all.

[@DJxGameHunter]

Now why not sign both Bregman and Pete, make Pete the DH and have Vientos learn 1st so you don’t waste his youth on being just a DH?

[@ghostlover951]

As of right now.. I'm not too happy with this team.. even with Juan Soto.. We are barely a wild card team.... and unless we get burnes and someone else... this team is not a world series contender...

[@PlasticPellets]

Pete Alonso got beat up by Stubby Clapp

[@rickcuban322]

dude you can’t take Vientos’s bat out. Are you kidding me?, I’m glad you’re not the general manager.

[@LockedOnMets]

I never said anything about taking Vientos’ bat out. I said he’d DH

[@rickcuban322]

Bad dude you can’t take Vientos’s bat out. Are you kidding me?,

[@joselopezmoya9786]

It would be a personal insult to PETE ALONSO by MINI MARKET STEARNS to sign him to be just a DH. HE HAS TOO MUCH PRIDE FOR THAT!!!

[@rickcuban322]

Sorry, Ryan cordially and respectfully disagree. If Pete doesn’t work out, you have to give Baty another shot. Can you imagine not giving him a shot and then he does for another team what Vientos did for the Mets? Why are we gonna get stuck another 30 something year-old guy and block all these other kids from coming up? It doesn’t make sense bro. There’s too much upside on this kid. And you keep it internal, from the farm, homegrown and a lot cheaper.

[@LockedOnMets]

I have been on Baty’s side just as much as anyone but I also know you can’t go into a season where you are trying to contend for World Series and have him slated as a Opening Day starter with no back up plan

[@jjjilani9634]

Both Luis Arraez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr are better than Pete Alonso for Mets 1st base solution. Mets should sign Kyle Tucker, Vladimir Guerrero Jr/Luis Arraez, and Dylan Cease next year and Corbin Burnes this year to complete their dynasty.

[@eemoreau]

Just stop the childish analogies about Pete’s situation He is a Proven Mets star!!! Go POLAR BEAR 🐻‍❄️ 🐻‍❄️ 🐻‍❄️ you the best in my book ! 📕 I have been a fan since 1969 and Pete compares to the Good ones and could be better, YET!!! FANTASTICOMETS69…Let’s Go Mets

[@joselopezmoya9786]

Only stupid and dumb METS' fans would not want ALONSO back. First off: PETE is the most durable player in MLB. Second, PETE is a perennial 35 to 40 hr 85 to 100 rbi. player. Third: PETE has been the most prolific HR hitter in MLB. FOURTH: PETE improvement at first base has saved the rest of the infield infield lots of errors.

[@tvbtvb5124]

Yes. But many of those 35 to 40 home runs came when they didn’t decide the outcome of the game. When it really mattered he struck out. That’s the difference. Pete is valuable, but at what price.

[@gerardschaefer6495]

Plus He can play in NY. If we sign another free agent they can come here n be the next guy who comes to Queens n plays much worse. Jason Bay, Brain McCann, the list of disappointing Mets who.fell off when they got here is so long

[@Dugger1991]

50 million for three years because of his age.

[@CautionHighWavesAhead-]

Let Pete take less money to go play for the Mariners. Lol.

[@christianjmj6460]

No to Bregman.

[@billclinton7003]

Alonso is a balding Dave Kingman. He’s a net negative. 😬

[@JuanRivera-s2x]

I hope he signs somewhere other than the mets 😂 then Soto will have no protection in that lineup 😂😅😂. Do you all still think throwing Soto all of that $ was smart ? Look at what the EMPIRE has done 😂😂😂

[@RayCharound]

Every time Pete has a microphone in front of him, he comes across like he has the mental capacity of driftwood. Apparently it’s the same when he has a contract and a pen in front of him

[@Dan-tt8sn]

I’m in love with you, Ryan. Every morning at 6am. Like clockwork. Yay 😁

[@MegillsTrash]

The Mets don’t need Alonso at all. Figure it out there are better options. Sign Bregman and either have Vientos or a stopgap play first base for 1 year, then go all in on Vlad next offseason. Vlad is younger and much better hitter. Alonso already declining and will be cooked in 2 years.. You wanna win then make smart decisions. Not emotional decisions because you wanna see your homegrown players break records. Who cares about that crap. Alonso isn’t being courted for a reason and we seen his best and it’s time to move on..

[@PattiInNYC]

No.

[@MegillsTrash]

@ Yea. Smart fans would disagree with you and most likely Stearns and Cohen see signing Alonso is moronic.

[@Albeesqware]

@@MegillsTrashmunetaka murakami is also going to draw enormous interest next offseason along with Vladdy.

[@MegillsTrash]

@ yeah I know but Vlad would be my decision imo. Vlad does want to join Soto, Lindor, Alvarez and Vientos. All young and could be a super lineup for years..

[@Gemz0001]

​@@MegillsTrash Agree! And save Acuna and Ronny! Trade Marte/McNeil with prospect to Seattle 😏

[@Moko4209]

Alonso will not return to Mets trust me

[@CautionHighWavesAhead-]

Boras is toxic to sports.

[@HenryDelValle-nt7ku]

Pete Alonso needs more the Mets than the Mets needs more of Pete, the Mets have more leverage in this situation they can move vientos to 1st, they can wait to develop Ryan Clifford, they can wait another year and sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. the Mets have all the leverage here

[@paulrevere-e6y]

give him 4 with a 5th - year team option, 4 for 85, (5 million for 5th - year TEAM option,) that's 5 for 90 - about 21 million and change a year for 5 years. Take it or leave it. If not, Soto to first and they can figure out the rest with trades or their farm, Wiliams, Gilbert, Mauricio, even McNeil, and Marte can play RF (at the very least.)