The New York Mets took the unusual step of denying a report that emerged Wednesday regarding contract talks with first baseman Pete Alonso.
A report from Pat Ragazzo of FanNation suggested that Alonso and the Mets were involved in long-term contract talks but at odds over the length of a potential deal. The report said the two sides were in agreement on money but that the Mets are unwilling to give Alonso the 10-year contract he is seeking.
In a statement, Mets GM Billy Eppler said the reports “do not accurately reflect our conversations with Pete.”
It is unusual that a team would take the step of denying this sort of report. It also raises more questions about Alonso’s long-term future with the organization, as some other reports suggested that the Mets may be preparing to trade him this offseason.
The 28-year-old Alonso has 45 home runs so far in 2023, though his .221 batting average is the worst mark of his career to date.
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