“Don’t like what is being presented to us,” Steve Cohen gives ‘brutally honest’ answer regarding Pete Alonso’ negotiations with NY Mets

Pete Alonso rejected a 7-year $158 million contract extension from the New York Mets in 2023 and instead decided to test free agency in 2024.

“Don’t like what is being presented to us,” Steve Cohen gives ‘brutally honest’ answer regarding Pete Alonso’ negotiations with NY Mets

Steve Cohen and Pete Alonso (Image via X/Imago)

One of the biggest names in the free agency market at the moment is Pete Alonso. The 4-time MLB All-Star is yet to pen down a new deal after becoming a free agent. Recently New York Mets owner Steve Cohen gave a ‘brutally honest’ answer regarding the team’s negotiations with Alonso.

On Saturday, the Mets organized their Amazin’ Day fanfest event at Citi Field. During this, Cohen was joined by GM David Stearns in a panel discussion.

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In the past few days, Alonso has been linked with several top teams including the Toronto Blue Jays. With the Mets fanbase growing impatient to see one of their fan-favorite return, it was likely that the Mets management was gonna get asked about the future of Alonso.

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Speaking regarding this, Cohen claimed that the negotiations have been ‘exhausting’. He also added that he does not like the structure of the offer that has been put forward against them.

I’m being brutally honest. I don’t like the negotiations. I don’t like what’s been presented to us. Listen, maybe that changes… If it stays this way, I think we’ll have to get used to the fact that we may have to go forward with the existing players that we have.

Steve Cohen told the panel

The 68-year-old also drew a comparison of these talks with the ones regarding Juan Soto. The former New York Yankees star joined the Mets on a massive 15-year $765 million deal. Speaking on this, Cohen pointed out that Soto’s negotiations were tough but Alonso’s are worse.

In 2023, Pete Alonso was offered a 7-year $158 million contract extension. However, he rejected that deal. As per reports, the Mets have now offered him a 3-year $70 million deal. This is likely less than what he and his agent Scott Boras may have imagined before.

David Stearns gets booed by NY Mets fans during Pete Alonso’s talks

The Pete Alonso-NY Mets return saga has probably dragged on a bit longer than expected. With no concrete talks regarding his future, the New York Mets fans have started to get a bit worried about losing their beloved first baseman. During a discussion regarding him on Saturday, GM David Stearns was booed by some fans.

David Stearns and Pete Alonso
David Stearns and Pete Alonso (Image via X)

Stearns, who previously worked as the GM of the Milwaukee Brewers, joined the Mets in October 2023. Since then he has been applauded by many for his work at the helm of the Mets office. However, the negotiations regarding Alonso have left some a bit impatient with him.

As a question regarding Alonso was asked on Saturday, there were some boos for him. The GM went on to point out that everybody there “loves” Alonso. He mentioned that the 30-year-old slugger deserves to see what is best for him in the free agency market.

I think we all love Pete. We’ve said that many times. And I think as we’ve gone through this process, we’ve continued to express that… this is a business, and Pete as a free agent deserves the right, and has the right and earned the privilege, really, to see what’s out there.

David Stearns said

The 39-year-old executive also added that the team could look at their farm system and give young players a chance to shine.

If Alonso does not return to the Mets, the team could turn their attention to Mark Vientos and move him over to first base. He along with Brett Baty are reported to have been working on this position in recent weeks.