Mets Rumors: 'Strong Expectation' Pete Alonso Returns in 2024 amid Trade Buzz

Trade rumors have swirled around New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, but it appears that the team plans to have him aboard next season.

SNY's Andy Martino reported the following on Thursday: "I'm not in the business of predicting the future, but can tell you this: The Mets' strong expectation today is that Pete Alonso will be on the team in 2024.

"Over the past few weeks, as Alonso trade rumors have congealed into a perception of near inevitability, the reaction among Mets executives can be best summarized by two words: Surprised and confused.

"While not ruling out the chance of the proverbial being 'blown away' by an offer this winter, the team does not plan to actively shop Alonso."

The Mets planned on contending in 2023 after a 101-win season the year prior, but almost nothing has gone right for a team sitting last in the NL East.

New York became a seller at the trade deadline, notably sending veteran aces Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander to the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros, respectively.

Naturally, speculation began around the Mets' star slugger in Alonso, who can enter free agency in 2025. However, it appears (for now, at least) the Mets plan to hang on to him as they figure out where to go from here following a lost 2023 season.

Alonso, a three-time All-Star, got the call-up to the bigs in 2019 with the Mets. He proceeded to lead MLB with 53 home runs during his rookie year.

That tremendous power hasn't disappeared through his five-year career, which has seen the 28-year-old smash 185 homers, including 39 this year (alongside 96 RBI). Alonso also sports a lifetime .875 OPS.

Naturally, Alonso would be highly sought after if he ever hit free agency, but the Mets appear to want him back.

"We love Pete as a Met," Mets owner Steve Cohen said, according to Martino. "He's an integral part of the Mets. He's still with us for another year. We hope we work things out."

Martino added that the team has no plans to "actively shop" Alonso, adding that the team's "current inclination is to keep him until free agency, then negotiate with him as they did with Edwin Diaz and Brandon Nimmo (who they retained) and Jacob deGrom (who they did not)."

Ultimately, keeping Alonso aboard is the prudent move for the Mets as they look to push past this disastrous season. He's one of the best power hitters in the game, and getting rid of him would only create another hole on a team that has too many of them.

In the meantime, Alonso and the Mets are playing out the string. The 61-73 ballclub begins September with a three-game home series against the Seattle Mariners on Friday.