New York Mets Owner Discusses Pete Alonso’s Contract Situation
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen recently addressed the ongoing contract negotiations with star first baseman Pete Alonso. As Alonso’s current one-year, $20.5 million contract nears its expiration, there has been speculation regarding his future with the team.
Despite the looming uncertainty, Cohen revealed that no formal discussions have taken place regarding a long-term extension for Alonso. He emphasized the importance of allowing Alonso to focus on his performance on the field without any distractions.
Alonso, a standout player with accolades such as the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star, boasts impressive career statistics with a .251 batting average, 192 home runs, 498 RBIs, and a .870 OPS over five seasons in the major leagues.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Alonso enlisted the services of renowned agent Scott Boras, known for advocating that his clients explore free agency to secure the best possible deals.
Despite the challenges ahead, Cohen expressed confidence in his relationship with Boras and cited previous successful contract negotiations with other players like closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Brandon Nimmo.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Cohen highlighted the Mets’ improved roster and their ability to leverage resources in the free agency market. Despite setbacks in the previous season, including a fourth-place finish in the NL East and a significant luxury tax bill, Cohen remains optimistic about the team’s prospects.
With the playoffs in sight, Cohen emphasized the team’s defensive improvements and expressed optimism about their competitiveness in the upcoming season. Despite initial low expectations, he believes that the Mets have the potential to exceed projections and surprise fans with their performance.
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