New York Mets owner Steve Cohen added further confusion to the Pete Alonso contract situation on Friday by claiming the organization is indeed willing to spend a bunch more money.
Heading into the MLB games today, the Mets were looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss on Opening Day. Unfortunately, they were unable to do that and fell to the Milwaukee Brewers again by a score of 7-6. However, one of the bright spots on the day was slugger Pete Alonso.
- Pete Alonso stats (2023): .217 AVG, .318 SLG, .504 OBP, 46 HR, 118 RBI, 92 R
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After going hitless on Friday, the first baseman went 2-for-4 and slugged his first homer of the season as they attempted to tie the game late. Alonso was a major story all winter and will continue to be as the organization lets him play out the final year of his contract instead of extending one of the few homegrown stars they have.
The team’s lack of urgency has confused many New York Mets fans, with one explanation being they do not want to add money to a bloated $307 million payroll this season. However, before their season opener, Cohen was asked if the goal is to get under the $241 million luxury cap threshold next season and he had a surprising response.
“It just seems like that could be hard to do. We don’t have to do that,” Cohen told The Athletic. “I’m perfectly happy to finance us in a way where that isn’t a goal of mine. If it were to happen, that would be fantastic. The reality is you’ve got to expect something in the middle someplace.”
New York Mets owner prefers building the farm over re-signing Pete Alonso
If they are willing to spend money, and the likelihood is they will be somewhere in the middle of over the threshold but below where they are now, why not re-sign the three-time All-Star before taking the risk of losing him in MLB free agency? Especially since a lot of money will come off the books after this season.
Well, it seems like the goal is still to break down their expensive roster and put together a far more affordable group built around “reasonable cost-controlled” youngsters for the long haul.
- Pete Alonso contract projection: 6 years, $132 million
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“The only way you’re getting out of [paying the tax] is if you have a good farm system and you can actually put players that are reasonably cost-controlled,” he said. “We’ve got to find a blend that works. I’m not afraid to spend money, but I don’t want to be spending money for the sake of it. I’ve said this for a while: I truly believe the only way to get there for sustainability is developing talent.”
After years of dealing out huge contracts, it seems like Cohen is heading in the cost-effective direction of previous owners, the Wilpon family. This isn’t necessarily a bad business decision, but seems to confirm throwing a huge deal worth nine figures at Pete Alonso seems unlikely.