Mets' Buck Showalter talks Pete Alonso amid trade rumors

Count manager Buck Showalter among members of the New York Mets who want to see All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso stay put through at least the upcoming offseason. 

"The guy’s going to drive in 100 runs again, going to hit 40 home runs again," Showalter said about Alonso on Wednesday, per Larry Brooks of the New York Post. "I mean, he’s going to post up every day. We’re lucky to have him. We’re lucky to have him." 

The Mets reportedly have held discussions with Alonso’s camp regarding a contract extension for the 28-year-old who is eligible to reach free agency after the 2024 season and who continues to be the subject of trade rumors throughout a disappointing campaign for the organization. 

Alonso recently noted he understands such chatter about his uncertain future is "not personal," and MLB writer Deesha Thosar of Fox Sports reported Wednesday morning that "at least a handful of Mets players" plan to speak with big-spending owner Steve Cohen about retaining the fan-favorite. 

To Showalter's point, Alonso began Thursday morning with 39 home runs and 96 RBI on the campaign. According to StatMuse, no player in all of MLB has more homers than Alonso (185) since the start of the 2019 season. 

"He’s handled a lot of things that would affect normal people," Showalter added about the slugger who may or may not have been shopped by the Mets during their summer fire sale. "There’s probably like 10 things that nobody is really aware of that has happened off the field and he’s handled it. I’ve been amazed at how tough he is mentally and emotionally through as many swings as there are at this level. You know, you’re great one day and the next day you’re not." 

If Cohen truly thinks the Mets won't be able to hang with the Atlanta Braves in the battle for the National League East crown before 2026 at the earliest, stocking up on prospects for Alonso this fall or winter could be the smartest baseball-related move for the Amazins. However, many believe Cohen absolutely will not punt on 2024 despite the current state of the team, and there's little question next year's edition of the Mets would be better off with Alonso in the lineup than without him.