The only thing odder than the fact that New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is represented by pop superstar Bad Bunny is that the team rather have extension talks with him than slugger Pete Alonso.
One of the biggest stories over the offseason for the Mets fanbase is the future of first baseman Pete Alonso. The homegrown star is in the final year of his rookie contract and is set to hit free agency next winter. In most cases, it would seem like a no-brainer that they would re-sign the three-time All-Star, however, there has been no progress in extension talks.
Instead of getting closer to locking the 29-year-old up long-term, there have actually been rumors of the organization shopping him on the trade block over the last year. It has frustrated Mets fans because while Alonso’s game is flawed, players who can hit over 40 home runs in a season with ease don’t come around often.
While it seems like Alonso is likely to hit MLB free agency next winter, it appears the organization is actually open to the idea of extending the contract of a different homegrown slugger.
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On Thursday, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that “The Mets are expected to talk to Francisco Alvarez and agent Bad Bunny at some point about a long-term deal.”
The only bright side that might diminish some fan’s confusion about the news, is that the team’s recent trend of bargain shopping extends to talks with Alvarez and they are likely to be looking for a team-friendly extension. Something Heyman claims Alvarez and Bad Bunny are unlikely to agree to.
While Alvarez only hit .209 last season, the 22-year-old stud prospect smashed 25 home runs and knocked in 63 RBIs while playing solid-defense in his first full season in the big leagues.
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