New York Mets star first baseman Pete Alonso has been at the center of significant MLB trade rumors throughout the first half of the season. As Alonso, 29, approaches free agency this winter, the Mets’ early-season struggles have fueled speculation about his future with the team.
With the trade deadline looming, the question of whether New York will part ways with their franchise cornerstone has become a hot topic in the Big Apple, especially as the unofficial second half of the season kicks off this Friday.
As he gears up for Tuesdayโs MLB All-Star Game, Alonso has expressed his strong desire to remain with the Mets. โIโm super happy to be a Met, super proud to be a Met,โ Alonso told the NY Post. โIโd love to stay. I donโt want to get traded. I love it. Itโs home.โ
However, the decision to trade Alonso ultimately lies with Mets owner Steve Cohen and the team’s management. Represented by super-agent Scott Boras, Alonso is expected to seek a lucrative contract in free agency, a process Boras is notorious for maximizing to its fullest potential.
Despite being 11 games under .500 after a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 29, the Mets have since turned their season around, going 27-13 and positioning themselves firmly in the National League Playoff race. Alonso’s power-hitting, a standout feature since his debut in 2019, remains a key asset for the team.
The Mets now face a critical decision: balancing their playoff aspirations this season with the feasibility of retaining Alonso through free agency.