Dwight Gooden calls Pete Alonso ‘the heart and soul’ of Mets as team faces potential free agency 

Dwight Gooden talks about NY Yankees' Juan Soto and Met's Pete Alonso’s free agency amidst controversies surrounding their contract closure.

Dwight Gooden calls Pete Alonso ‘the heart and soul’ of Mets as team faces potential free agency 

Pete Alonso and Dwight Gooden [Image Credit: Imago/ABC News]

Former pitcher Dwight Gooden discusses New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto and New York Mets baseman Pete Alonso’s free agency controversies. Fans are talking about whether these two superstars will extend their contracts with their present team or find a new start with a new team. 

On Saturday, ‘Doc’ joined the media to talk about their potential team options during free agency in Fanatics Fest NYC at Javits Center. He said how he hopes the 4x All-Star player would stay in Queens, as he’s a Tampa guy just like Alonso.

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Gooden even said that Pete Alonso is “the heart and soul of that team”, after acknowledging guys like Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo. He believes Alonso “makes everybody in that lineup better” and his continued growth will further affect the team positively in the future too.

Oh man, I hope he stays. Pete’s a Tampa guy; I’m a Tampa guy, so I’m a little biased…I think Pete is like the heart and soul of that team…If I’m a pitcher and I’m facing that lineup, Pete’s the one guy I don’t want to beat me.
Dwight Gooden as per Peter Botte of NY Post.

However, he is worried about his agent Scott Boras’ actions in free agency. He humorously added, “Boras scares me more than Pete”. Even Alex Rodriguez who once worked with Boras ended up with a fractured relationship with the agent. 

Gooden is worried about how Boras will react to the million-dollar contracts that other teams will offer during Alonso’s free agency. As he said, “Boras is the top guy and he gets the top dollars.” Even A-Rod went silent after learning about Alonso and Boras’ pairup. 

Dwight Gooden talks about Juan Soto’s free agency

While talking about free agency, Dwight Gooden admitted he can’t see Juan Soto signing with any other team so far, unless Yankees fail to sign the outfielder. He added that the Yankees should put everything into re-signing the 25-year-old and building their team around him for long-term plans.

Juan Soto
Juan Soto (Image via Imago)

Currently, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have become the dynamic duo of the team, providing them with extraordinary personal and team records. Soto has led the Yankees with 34 home runs, 87 RBIs, and a 1.038 OPS this season.

He’s legit. If I’m starting a franchise, I’m not saying I’d give him whatever he wants, but I’m making him very happy for the next 10 years and build my team around him.

Dwight Gooden as per Peter Botte of NY Post.

He further said, that if the Yankees by chance fail to retain the outfielder, then the Mets may take the chance to pursue the Dominican baseball player. Although Gooden doubts Yanks and Mets would go for the same guy, but believes “if you’re trying to win” it’s better to put emotions and friendship aside.

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