Port St. Lucie, Florida: New York Mets infielder Pete Alonso during a spring training workout, February 23, 2024 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
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The New York Mets won’t be sitting on their hands after a disappointing season without a playoff berth.
The team is clearly looking to return next year with a revamped roster after it agreed to exchange long-time outfielder Brandon Nimmo for the Texas Rangers’ three-time infielder Marcus Semien. But the biggest move for the Mets this winter could be one that keeps a familiar face in Queens.
Homegrown Mets slugger Pete Alonso agreed to return to the team after a prolonged free agency last winter and proceeded to produce one of his best seasons to date. Now he has elected to return to free agency and the team will have to offer him a long-term contract if they want him to return.
It’s clear that many Mets fans want Alonso to return, particularly after he became the franchise’s all-time home runs leader this past season. And now a veteran teammate has made his feelings clear with a three-word message on Alonso’s upcoming free agency decision.
“He’s the man,” Mets pitcher Sean Manaea said, when asked how important it is that Alonso is his teammate again next year, per SNY.
“I love Pete to death,” Manaea added. “Ultimately, I just want whatever’s going to be best for him and his family. So, whatever happens, happens and hopefully he’s back with us.”
However, there’s reason for Manaea and Mets fans to be concerned that the team won’t be inclined to bring the long-time first baseman back into the fold. After a disappointing year, the Mets seem to be more focused on bolstering the rotation and defense this winter and that could mean turning to a cheaper option to replace Alonso at first.
“But the Mets’ top offseason priority is pitching — in the rotation and bullpen — and they have internal options for first base and DH in the short and long term,” Jorge Castillo wrote for ESPN. “Mark Vientos, Brett Baty and Jeff McNeil could play first base. Juan Soto, after a poor defensive year in right field, will eventually see time at DH.”
Alonso’s defensive role isn’t too challenging for the Mets to replace if they decide to allocate their payroll elsewhere. But his offense won’t be as easy to replicate, as he led the team in RBI and batting average this past season. And the sentimental value he has earned from the fanbase is a significant factor as well.
The Mets could go either way with Alonso, but Manaea isn’t the only person in Queens who would call him “the man.”