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Pete Alonso sent pointed message to Mets about his future
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Pete Alonso wasted no time after the New York Mets’ elimination to send a firm message to the organization about his future.

Alonso said after Sunday’s 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins that he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent this offseason. He made clear that he would like to return to the Mets, but the choice is not purely up to him.

“I love playing here. There’s some great guys in this clubhouse, some great people on the staff,” Alonso said. “Every single day, it’s been a pleasure coming to work and putting on the orange and blue.

“I’ve really appreciated it and have been nothing but full of gratitude every single day. Nothing is guaranteed, but we’ll see what happens. I’ve loved being a Met. Hopefully, they’ve appreciated me the same.”

Alonso’s decision to opt out is not a shock. He had an excellent season and hit .273 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs, and he should be one of the most highly-pursued free agents this offseason.

Last season, Alonso’s free agency lingered well into the winter as the Mets were reluctant to give him the long-term contract he sought. Mets fans were not happy about the team’s unwillingness to pay him, and that pressure will return if they do not strongly pursue him again. The question now is whether the Mets’ feelings have changed over the past 12 months or so.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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