The Mets and Pete Alonso proceed to speak a few potential deal that would probably hold him in Queens, at the very least within the quick time period — though there was nonetheless considered a niche between supply and counteroffer and, thus, loads of work left to do as time runs quick.
Whereas the perimeters are mentioned to be making progress on at the very least the construction of a proposed deal that’s anticipated to be for 3 years and embrace at the very least one decide out, there was no phrase by Wednesday that the perimeters have closed the substantial monetary hurdle that’s hung over these high-profile talks relating to the star free-agent first baseman.
And the Mets have let Alonso’s camp know they want a call — and shortly — on whether or not the 2 sides can do a deal as they need to make certain to depart themselves sufficient time and choices to pivot elsewhere previous to spring coaching, The Put up has discovered.
Whether or not the Mets have set a agency deadline isn’t publicly identified, however they’ve heightened the decision for decision someway, not desirous to see different options go away {the marketplace} whereas they anticipate Alonso.
For instance, Anthony Santander is a 40-homer bat who stays obtainable as a possible counter ought to the Mets fail to retain Alonso.
Or the Mets may redirect important funds towards constructing an elite bullpen by concentrating on Tanner Scott and a nonetheless deep free-agent reduction pool.
Whereas the perimeters seem amenable to that short-term construction, one large query stays: Can they bridge the hole in funds to maintain the slugging first baseman in Flushing?
Previous to their signing elsewhere, the Mets at the very least thought-about different gamers to hit in the midst of the lineup, from Teoscar Hernandez to Joc Pederson and even Paul Goldschmidt.
Alonso’s case has not been helped by the variety of first basemen who’ve already discovered new houses this offseason, together with Goldschmidt, Jake Burger, Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Naylor, Carlos Santana and Christian Walker.
And Detroit obtained out of the primary base market after they signed Gleyber Torres to play second and moved Colt Keith to first.
The Giants may nonetheless probably be a match, however that’s not an excellent state of affairs for Alonso, contemplating Oracle Park isn’t a hitters’ park.
The Angels are one other staff that’s been contemplating a run at Alonso, whereas the Mariners, Jays and Crimson Sox even have been linked to him.
If Alonso had been to depart, the Mets may shift Mark Vientos from third base to first and use some mixture of Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio at third, which may additionally go away the Mets open to pursuing a primary baseman subsequent 12 months with a free-agent class that features Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
If the Mets keep in-house on the infield, Baty can be seen because the probably candidate to win the job if it isn’t cut up.
The Mets had been reported by Andy Martino of SNY to have at the very least checked in a few Guerrero commerce however there’s little indication or perception the Jays are focused on buying and selling Guerrero.
— Extra reporting by Dan Martin