Pete Alonso Says He Hasn't Had Any Long-Term Contract Talks with Mets Ahead of MLB FA

If the New York Mets want to sign Pete Alonso to a long-term contract, they are doing a bad job of letting him know.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Alonso said he would welcome the conversation about an extension, but the only conversation his camp had with the Mets "was about the one-year deal" they got done to avoid salary arbitration.

Alonso agreed to a one-year, $20.5 million deal on Jan. 11 to avoid arbitration. It was reported by The Athletic's Will Sammon and Tim Britton a few days before that deal was announced there were "no negotiations" about a long-term contract. They also noted there was "little expectation" any substantive talks would happen.

"I love it here," Alsonso said on Saturday. "I definitely have envisioned myself being a lifelong Met, that's something I've definitely thought about. … I welcome the idea, but I can't predict the future."

While speaking to reporters on Monday, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated Alonso would likely hit free agency before the team talks to him about a multiyear deal.

There are reasons for both sides to play things out before jumping into a long-term commitment.

Alonso is coming off something of a down season in 2023, despite hitting 46 home runs. He set career-lows in batting average (.217) and on-base percentage (.318). His 151 strikeouts were his most in a season since he was a rookie in 2019 (183).

The Mets are in an awkward spot right now after finishing fourth in the NL East last season. They've focused a lot of their attention on trying to build for the future after spending big the past two years.

There is still enough talent on the roster to keep the Mets competitive, but playing in the same division as the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies doesn't leave a lot of wins for the other teams.

Alonso's track record suggests he will be in line for a big contract next offseason. It could come from the Mets, who drafted him the second round in 2016, but there will be a lot of suitors for a hitter with his power if they decide to move on.