Mets president addresses Pete Alonso trade rumors

During a Wednesday appearance on MLB Network, New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns confirmed he'll hold contract extension talks with All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso this offseason. 

Later in the day, Stearns addressed the numerous trade rumors that hovered over Alonso's status throughout this past summer. 

"I do not anticipate him getting traded," Stearns said about Alonso while speaking with reporters at the general managers meetings in Arizona, per Tim Healey of Newsday. "I don’t draw lines in the sand and I’m never going to say never, but I absolutely think it’s fair: I don’t anticipate him getting traded." 

Alonso turns 29 years old in December, can reach free agency after next season and recently hired Scott Boras as his new agent. Boras has now teased on multiple occasions this offseason his client could put pen to paper on an extension with the Mets this fall or winter, and Boras humorously revealed Wednesday he previously told Stearns "that when it comes to the 'Polar Bear,' we’re not in contract hibernation." 

Stearns noted he's "not as creative in describing discussions in meetings as" Boras.

"Pete’s a really good player," Stearns said about the fan-favorite. "He’s been a good player, a high-producing player on the Mets for a long time now. We’re fortunate to have him. I’m looking forward to watching him play this season. And I’m not going to predict the future." 

Chatter about the Mets possibly trading Alonso before Opening Day 2024 has cooled since Stearns said during his introductory news conference on Oct. 2 that he expected the three-time All-Star would remain with the club through the start of next season. Stearns did acknowledge on Wednesday he's heard from other teams about Alonso's potential availability. 

"He’s a very good player who’s got one year left on his contract," Stearns added about Alonso. "Of course, teams are going to ask about him." 

According to Phillip Martinez of SNY, Stearns also disclosed that he's already had what he called "good" conversations with Alonso this offseason. 

"He’s really enthusiastic about being a Met and he wants us to win," Stearns said about the slugger who seemingly will stay attached to his current employer through at least next October. 

Whether or not Stearns can give Mets fans an early Christmas present in the form of an Alonso extension shall be seen.