New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso has simply made historical past by surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s dwelling run report, and he did it in report time
However past the sporting achievement, his statements concerning the future have set off alarm bells within the workforce’s administration, which might face a multi-million greenback negotiation.
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A report that marks an period
Together with his 253rd dwelling run, Alonso turned the all-time dwelling run chief in Mets historical past, reaching the feat in simply 965 video games, 144 fewer than Strawberry. His season has been sensible: .272 common, 28 HR and 99 RBI.
The sport-changing message
After breaking the report, Alonso was clear: “Being a Met for all times could be unbelievable.” He expressed gratitude to the group, the followers and his teammates. However he additionally hinted that his continuity is dependent upon the workforce’s choices: “In the event that they select to go in one other path, I’ll perceive.”
Tense negotiations and an unsure market
Final winter, Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million bridge contract after tough negotiations with proprietor Steve Cohen, who referred to as the method “extra exhausting than Juan Soto’s“. His agent, Scott Boras, submitted proposals that the workforce thought-about unbalanced.
A future away from Queens?
Though Alonso needs to remain, president of operations David Stearns has proven curiosity in options reminiscent of Munetaka Murakami, the “Japanese Aaron Decide”. His journey to Japan throughout Alonso’s report was interpreted as a chilly and calculated signal.
The price of conserving a star
In response to Spotrac, Alonso’s projected worth might attain $179 million over six years, surpassing Freddie Freeman’s contract. Analysts imagine the value shall be excessive and that the Mets could not match presents from different groups.
Administration divided
Former GM Zack Scott opined that Alonso could not age effectively as an influence participant, and that it could be sensible to not commit long-term. “It is inevitable that he’ll decline,” he mentioned, suggesting warning in investing.
Will the “Polar Bear” keep in New York?
Alonso has been constant, charismatic and productive. His want to remain is real, however the enterprise of baseball is relentless. The Mets should resolve whether or not to gamble on their idol or search for a brand new face to guide the longer term.
