New Mets president addresses future of Pete Alonso
The New York Mets officially introduced David Stearns as their new president of baseball operations on Monday, and he addressed the future of popular first baseman Pete Alonso during an afternoon news conference.
"I know over the summer there was some trade speculation, and look, I’ll just say I expect Pete to be the Opening Day first baseman next year," Stearns told reporters, per Alex Smith of SNY. "Pete’s an important member of this team, he’s an important member of this organization, and I think we’re really fortunate to have him."
Stearns later expanded on those comments:
Alonso is a fan-favorite and a three-time All-Star but remains eligible for free agency after the 2024 season. The slugger who turns 29 years old in December was the subject of numerous rumors this past summer regarding a potential pre-trade deadline transaction and alleged clubhouse issues that reportedly impacted the Mets throughout their disappointing campaign, but fans made it known throughout this past weekend they want Stearns and company to "#KeepPete" beyond next year:
Interestingly, the Mets had Alonso narrate a "thank you" video shared via social media and emailed to fans on Sunday:
Alonso was linked with the Milwaukee Brewers in August, and Stearns previously served as president of baseball operations for that organization. More recently, Mike Puma and Jon Heyman of the New York Post both suggested Stearns will attempt to sign the "Polar Bear" to a long-term deal before spring training.
"I think the entire package weighs into it," Stearns added about Alonso's future on Monday. "Pete is a great player, he is also good in the clubhouse, and he is also homegrown. All of that matters."
Stearns must hire a new manager after the Mets parted ways with Buck Showalter ahead of Sunday's season finale. After that, the executive may need to have some difficult conversations if he and Alonso's camp fail to reach an agreement on an extension before Christmas.
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