MLB insider Jon Heyman recently shared his insights on various major topics in the baseball world, including a segment called “buy or sell,” where he evaluates statements and decides whether he believes in them or not. One notable topic of discussion was the possibility of the New York Mets trading slugger Pete Alonso this year.
Heyman’s analysis suggests a close call on the matter, leaning towards the Mets retaining their prized hitter.
He emphasized Alonso’s popularity among fans and teammates, as well as the Mets’ current standing as playoff contenders. Trading away a player with Alonso’s offensive firepower, especially in a postseason push, seems counterintuitive, according to Heyman.
The crux of the issue lies in Alonso’s contract situation.
As a free agent after the season concludes, speculation arises regarding his future with the Mets. Despite his propensity for strikeouts, Alonso’s raw power at the plate is undeniable, evident from his recent milestone of 200 career home runs and solid performance this season with eight homers and a respectable .800 OPS.
The looming question remains: will the Mets secure Alonso with a lucrative contract extension before the season’s end, or risk losing him to free agency after the World Series?
While trading him could fetch the Mets promising prospects in return, Heyman suggests that the team’s likelihood of retaining Alonso is high, given the potential for a substantial contract offer.
In the end, the smart money appears to be on Alonso remaining in a Mets uniform at least until the conclusion of the MLB season. However, the dynamics of contract negotiations and the unpredictability of the trade deadline in baseball keep the situation fluid.
Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Pete Alonso’s future as the season progresses, eagerly anticipating whether he’ll continue to showcase his powerhouse hitting for the Mets or potentially don a different team’s colors in the future.
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