By Sunday 
‘BRUTALLY HONEST’: Steve Cohen Reflects on Difficult Pete Alonso Talks
Steve Cohen opens up about the challenging negotiations with Pete Alonso and what the future holds for the Mets’ roster.
Mets Fans Demand Answers
During the Amazin’ Day festivities at Citi Field, one chant echoed loudly among the crowd: “We want Pete!” The plea from fans referenced Pete Alonso, the Mets’ long-time first baseman and free-agent slugger. Yet, despite the public sentiment, Mets owner Steve Cohen delivered some sobering comments about Alonso’s uncertain future with the team.
Speaking candidly, Cohen admitted that re-signing Alonso has been a complex and exhausting process. While he hasn’t ruled out a reunion, his outlook isn’t particularly optimistic.
“I will never say no; there’s always the possibility [of re-signing Alonso],” Cohen stated. “But the reality is we’re moving forward, and we continue to bring in players. It becomes harder to fit Pete into what is a very expensive group of players that we already have. That’s where we are. I’m being brutally honest.”
A Grueling Negotiation
Cohen didn’t mince words about the difficulty of the Alonso talks, labeling the process as “exhausting.” Comparing it to other challenging negotiations, he remarked, “[Juan] Soto was tough. This is worse.”
The crux of the challenge lies in the financial and structural hurdles. According to reports, Alonso’s camp proposed a three-year deal with opt-outs exclusively for the Mets. However, Cohen expressed dissatisfaction with the terms on the table.
“I don’t like what’s been presented to us,” Cohen explained. “Listen, maybe that changes, and I’ll always stay flexible. But if it stays this way, we may have to move forward with the existing players that we have.”
The Mets’ Backup Plan
While the team hasn’t closed the door entirely on Alonso, reports indicate the Mets are actively preparing for life without him. Recent moves, including the acquisition of outfielder Jesse Winker and reliever A.J. Minter, suggest a shift in strategy.
Should Alonso sign elsewhere, the Mets are rumored to be exploring alternatives like third baseman Alex Bregman. However, internal solutions such as Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Ronny Mauricio could also fill the void in the infield.
The Mets reportedly made a final attempt to secure Alonso with a three-year, $70 million offer—slightly more than Christian Walker’s recent contract with the Astros. Despite the effort, Alonso’s market remains competitive, with the Blue Jays and at least one other team in active discussions.
The Blue Jays Angle
Toronto’s involvement in the Alonso sweepstakes has raised eyebrows, given their current first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Reports suggest the Blue Jays aim to bolster their playoff chances by pairing Alonso with Guerrero, rather than using Alonso as a replacement.
This move reflects the broader trend of aggressive roster building, as teams like the Mets and Blue Jays eye significant postseason success.
Cohen’s Vision for the Future
For Mets fans, Cohen’s honesty is a double-edged sword. While his transparency is refreshing, it underscores the tough decisions the team faces as it balances financial commitments and on-field competitiveness.
Cohen acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation but emphasized his commitment to building a sustainable, winning roster. “Elite organizations plan for the future,” he said, “and that’s what we’re doing here.”
As negotiations continue to unfold, one thing remains clear: Pete Alonso’s saga is far from over, and the next chapter could reshape the Mets’ future for years to come.