The New York Mets have made their decision on whether to extend a qualifying offer to star first baseman Pete Alonso for the 2024 season, and their choice marks a pivotal moment in the franchise’s future. With Alonso entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, the Mets now face a critical decision about his long-term status with the team.
A qualifying offer is a one-year contract that is typically extended to players set to become free agents. For 2024, the qualifying offer amount is projected to be around $20 million, based on recent trends in Major League Baseball. If a team extends a qualifying offer to a player and the player accepts, they remain with the team for one more season at that salary. However, if the player rejects the offer and signs with another team, the original team receives a draft pick compensation as a result.
In the case of Pete Alonso, the Mets’ decision carries considerable weight. The 29-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Mets’ offense since his debut in 2019, becoming one of the game’s premier power hitters. Alonso is coming off another impressive season in which he belted 40 home runs, drove in 101 RBIs, and posted an .872 OPS. His ability to anchor the middle of the lineup has made him one of the most dangerous sluggers in the league. However, with the Mets transitioning into a new era under owner Steve Cohen and general manager Billy Eppler, the team’s direction and its financial priorities are being carefully reconsidered.
Offering Alonso a qualifying offer is a logical move for the Mets. Despite some concerns about the team’s future as a contender, Alonso’s power production makes him a valuable asset, and the Mets would be loath to lose him for nothing. By offering him the qualifying offer, the Mets would gain the ability to either retain him for another season or secure a compensatory draft pick if he decides to leave.
However, the Mets’ decision to extend the offer isn’t without its complexities. One major factor is the team’s desire to possibly restructure its roster in the coming years. The Mets are facing an aging roster with several high-priced veterans, and the front office has indicated a desire to build a more sustainable, balanced team for the future. While Alonso is a proven star, he’s also in line for a major payday when he eventually hits the open market, whether it be through a long-term extension with the Mets or elsewhere. The Mets have to weigh whether they are willing to commit a substantial portion of their payroll to Alonso’s next contract.
Additionally, there are questions about Alonso’s defensive capabilities. While he’s been a reliable presence at first base, his defense has often been viewed as below average compared to other first basemen in the league. Some observers believe the Mets may want to explore trading Alonso for prospects, especially if they are not prepared to pay him top-tier money over the next several seasons.
Ultimately, the Mets’ decision to offer Alonso the qualifying offer reflects their ongoing balancing act of staying competitive in the short term while positioning themselves for long-term success. If Alonso accepts the qualifying offer, he would provide immediate power to the lineup in 2024, keeping the Mets in contention. If he rejects it, the Mets could either pursue trade options or prepare for a future without him, armed with the knowledge that they would gain a draft pick as compensation. Regardless of the outcome, Pete Alonso remains one of the most talented hitters in Major League Baseball, and his future with the Mets—whether in 2024 or beyond—will undoubtedly be one of the key storylines to follow this offseason.
The New York Mets are expected to be major players in the free agency market; especially in the starting pitcher department after their three most consistent starters in 2024 (Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana) are entering free agency.
However, the Mets aren’t confined to improving their pitching staff via free agency. They could also execute a trade this offseason that brings a top-tier hurler to Queens. And a November 3 article from Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller produced a potential trade scenario where the Mets could land Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet this winter.
The New York Mets are expected to be major players in the free agency market; especially in the starting pitcher department after their three most consistent starters in 2024 (Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana) are entering free agency.
However, the Mets aren’t confined to improving their pitching staff via free agency. They could also execute a trade this offseason that brings a top-tier hurler to Queens. And a November 3 article from Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller produced a potential trade scenario where the Mets could land Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet this winter.
Crochet produced a 3.58 ERA and a whopping 209 strikeouts in 146 innings thrown during the 2024 regular season.
The Mets parting ways with Williams (their No. 2 overall prospect), McLean (their No. 9 overall prospect), and Tong (their No. 10 overall prospect) would be a brutal blow. But their run to the NLCS this season shows New York is ready to compete for a World Series next season — and adding Crochet to their rotation would be a great step toward doing so.
