Reporters share trade, clubhouse updates on Mets' Pete Alonso

There's yet another sign that All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso will remain with the New York Mets through at least the start of the 2024 MLB season. 

"I would be extremely surprised if [owner Steve Cohen] lets him go," a so-called "Mets watcher" said about Alonso while speaking with MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Heyman shared this update after Andy Martino of SNY reported Thursday that "the Mets' strong expectation today" is that Alonso will stay put this offseason. Martino added that "the team does not plan to actively shop Alonso" but could potentially be "blown away" by an offer for the popular slugger. 

Alonso is eligible to reach free agency after next season, has been the subject of trade rumors for months, was linked with the Milwaukee Brewers in August and may or may not have been made available ahead of the summer trade deadline because he allegedly is part of "a major problem" inside the Mets' clubhouse. 

Teammates such as star shortstop Francisco Lindor came to Alonso's defense earlier this week, and Heyman noted that "the absurd idea Alonso isn’t good in the clubhouse is a bunch of bunk." Heyman also wrote that Alonso's camp may be looking to secure a contract worth around $200M over five years. 

"I love it here," Alonso recently told The Post. "It’s phenomenal playing here. It’s a great city. This is all I know. It’s been an absolute pleasure. It’s been awesome. It’s been great representing the city." 

Meanwhile, outfielder Brandon Nimmo praised Alonso for being "a good personality to be around" during a chat with Mark W. Sanchez of The Post. 

"He is probably an all-time great clubhouse guy," current Texas Rangers outfielder and former Met Travis Jankowski said about Alonso. "What he does just for that clubhouse — the mentality he brings, where he has the goofiness to him but also the professional demeanor about him. He knows when to be goofy. He knows when to turn the switch on and say, 'Hey, it’s go time, let’s win one tonight.' That’s something that you can’t quantify."

MLB writer Deesha Thosar of Fox Sports reported Wednesday morning that "at least a handful of Mets players (plan) to privately appeal for Alonso to be retained" via upcoming talks with Cohen. Cohen may not pay Alonso the big bucks this winter, but it seems the 28-year-old will call Queens home on Opening Day 2024.