Mets legend has one Pete Alonso wish this summer

New York Mets legend Mike Piazza hopes All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso remains with the club past this season and the 2024 campaign. 

"Rumors and innuendo is [a] part of the game," Piazza said about Alonso while speaking with reporters on Friday, as shared by John Healy of SNY. "I think he’s a really great kid, great player. On the business side, he’s gotta work that out on his own and the team, and, obviously, I wish him the best. I tell players all the time you’re only worth what you negotiate." 

Alonso is eligible for free agency after next season, has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the summer and most recently was linked with what could become a move to the Milwaukee Brewers. However, MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post suggested the Mets could hold onto the three-time All-Star via a five-year contract worth $175M.

Piazza made it known Friday he wants Alonso's long-term future to be associated with the Mets. 

"I believe in my heart it will be, but of course, there’s work to be done," the Hall of Famer added. 

Per ESPN stats, Alonso began Friday third in all of MLB with 39 home runs on the season. However, the 28-year-old is also batting just .222 on the campaign, and one can't help but wonder if his average is causing big-spending Mets owner Steve Cohen to have second thoughts about possibly showing the "Polar Bear" the money this fall or winter. 

It remains unclear if the Mets' pre-trade deadline fire sale confirmed that Cohen will punt on the 2024 season with 2025 and/or 2026 in mind. Piazza thinks Alonso's presence is one reason the club can compete as soon as next year. 

"They talk about (2025) but I still believe in this day and age if you can put together a couple of moves in the offseason, solidify some of the weaknesses that the team has, you can be in it next year," Piazza explained. "It’s going to be difficult…at least re-engage the character aspect of the team and how difficult it is to win and hopeful they - they have a good base. They have some good guys."