MLB writer makes big claim about how Mets president views Pete Alonso

For an article published on Tuesday, MLB writer David Schoenfield of ESPN explained why he remains convinced the New York Mets could trade Pete Alonso this summer with the All-Star first baseman set to reach free agency after the season. 

"The emotional side of the brain says the Mets need to re-sign him, even if it means a bit of an overpay," Schoenfield said about Alonso. "The rational side says president of baseball operations David Stearns has little interest in a player who may be a risky bet to keep performing at a high level in his 30s. That makes a potential Alonso trade the most controversial of potential deadline deals."

Stearns previously served as an executive with the Milwaukee Brewers from the fall of 2015 until he shifted into an advisory role with that club after the 2022 campaign. He officially joined the Mets this past October and, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, "prefers free agents 28 and younger." 

Alonso turns 30 years old in December and likely won't sign an extension with the Mets before he hits the open market. Meanwhile, the Mets are expected to heavily pursue New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto this fall assuming he becomes a free agent shortly after he celebrates his 26th birthday on Oct. 25. 

ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney suggested as recently as last week that Mets owner Steve Cohen could allow Stearns to shop Alonso soon if the 2024 squad continued struggling. However, the once 0-5 Mets entered Tuesday night with a record of 8-8. 

"Nobody has hit more home runs than Alonso since he began his career in 2019," Schoenfield noted. "He's a huge fan favorite who has proven he can handle playing in New York. He's also heading into free agency, will be entering his age-30 season in 2025 and plays first base, a position teams prefer not to lock up with long-term deals." 

Alonso made it known this past Sunday he thinks it'd be "incredibly special" to spend his entire MLB career with the Mets. If individuals such as Schoenfield are correct, Alonso will need to help the Amazins keep winning across at least the next few months for such a goal to stay alive beyond the final days of July. 

"Of course, all bets are off if the Mets are in the playoff race," Schoenfield acknowledged. "In that case, they should ride with Alonso...and then see what happens in free agency."