NEW YORK — These NLCS blowouts offer ample opportunity for reflection. While witnessing the New York Mets achieve yet another late-season shocker, a 12-6 triumph against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night, an imaginary dialogue between Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns began to unfold in my mind.
The topic of discussion: the future of Mets free agent-to-be Pete Alonso. His three-run homer in the first inning, launched on a 2-1 slider from Jack Flaherty that he nearly scooped from the ground, marked the initial significant strike in bringing the Mets within a three games to two margin.
“David, did you catch that? I just read Pete’s comments. He mentioned being fooled by the pitch. Fooled! Yet he sent it out at 113.6 mph! And it traveled 432 feet! Can you believe this might have been his final game at Citi Field? I don’t know, David, I really don’t know.”
“Steve, I get it. That was an incredible moment. But remember, you brought me on board for a reason. My job is to take emotion out of the equation, even though the crowd’s chants of ‘Pete A-lon-so’ are still fresh in my ears!”
“You’re right, David. Let’s not forget that by the end of the regular season, our fans appeared ready to move on from Pete. Honestly, they may have thought the same when he opened this series hitting 2-for-15. But now he has four homers in the postseason, starting with his miraculous three-run blast off Devin Williams that decided the wild-card series. I don’t know, David, I really don’t know…”
“Steve! We still have more games ahead and additional data to analyze. Last I checked, you weren’t ranked 39th on the Forbes 400 list, with a net worth of $21.3 billion, by making impulsive decisions.”
“That’s true enough, David, but the Mets are my passion. If we offer Pete $200 million rather than $150 million, that’s simply one less Monet I could add to my personal art collection. What’s your definition of reckless governance, anyway?”
Steve Cohen (left) and David Stearns (right) at the latter’s introductory press conference with the Mets in October 2023. (Gordon Donovan/NurPhoto via AP)
“Have you talked to Scott lately?”
“Boras? Ah, he calls all the time. Recently sent me a spreadsheet comparing Pete’s statistical profile to Lou Gehrig’s. Or maybe it was Jimmie Foxx’s. And said, ‘Steve, the Polar Bear is immune to climate change, immune to the pressure of New York, immune to immunity itself!’ Not sure exactly what that meant, but then he started talking about some of his other free-agent clients. Juan Soto. Corbin Burnes. Alex Bregman. Blake Snell . . .”
“Yes! Those are the guys we want! Well, some of them, anyway. Soto for sure. Steve, remember what I told you: Soto turns 26 on Friday. He’s almost four years younger than Pete. And a better hitter, of course.”
“David, why can’t we have both? And at least one of the pitchers, too? Max Scherzer is coming off the payroll. Justin Verlander is coming off the payroll. Sean Manaea, Luis Severino and José Quintana are likely heading to free agency, so they’ll be off the payroll, too. That’s right, Scott also mentioned Manaea. Another one of his clients, it seems.”
“We can have some of those guys and Pete, Steve. But we can’t do anything stupid, anything that will thwart our momentum. We’re not the LOLMets anymore. As much as I love Pete, he is who he is. A first baseman who will turn 30 in December. A guy who is limited athletically and defensively. And a guy who this season hit 34 homers — a good number, but his lowest total in a full season. Not a great trendline.
“David, we’re both watching the games. Pete is up to a .995 OPS in the postseason. What if he hits another big homer or two to get us past the Dodgers? And what if — I can’t believe I’m saying this — he helps us beat the Yankees in the World Series?!?! OK, I can see it now: Scott riding shotgun in Pete’s car at the parade. Beaming at all the fans wearing Alonso jerseys. Then telling reporters Pete would make a fine mayor.
“True, any leverage we had would evaporate, but lots of luck telling our fans we wouldn’t want a guy who loves being a Met, a guy who ranks second in the majors in games played since entering the league in 2019, a guy who told two reporters Friday night that he relishes playing in the postseason because it’s the purest form of the sport, a grown-up version of backyard baseball.”
“Well, Steve, how far do you want to go? Scott told ‘The Show’ podcast last November that he doesn’t think any of the recent contracts for first basemen — eight years, $180 million for Matt Olson, six years, $162 million for Freddie Freeman, five years, $130 million for Paul Goldschmidt — are relevant to Pete. He prefers to talk about two of his old free-agent contracts at the position — eight years, $180 million for Mark Teixeira in 2008, and nine years, $214 million for Prince Fielder in 2012.
“Sorry, but we’ve gotten smarter. The market for first basemen has changed. Seriously, Steve, do you think we should give Pete more than the Dodgers gave Freddie Freeman? Freeman was 32 when he got that deal, sure. But he’s a better hitter than Pete, a better defender, a future Hall of Famer! No other team would value Pete over Freeman. And we shouldn’t either.”
“Good argument, David. In a vacuum. We not operating in a vacuum. We’re in the entertainment business. We’re building a brand. Pete already is a big part of that brand, and if he starts hitting 40 home runs a year for the Houston Astros or whomever, our brand will suffer.
“My eyes are wide open. The last thing I want is to be perceived as an easy touch for Boras. But while a massive contract for Pete likely would turn out to be a bad deal, don’t most of them, anyway?
“Here’s the thing: The Mets drafted and developed Pete. If we keep him, he will make franchise history — he is 26 homers short of tying Darryl Strawberry as the Mets’ all-time home run leader. The power he showed on the Flaherty slider in Game 5? Only a few players in the game are capable of hitting that pitch over the wall. And power generally ages well: Pete does not figure to lose it anytime soon.”
“Wait, Steve, what is that I hear? Sounds like you’re getting a text on your other phone.”
“Yeah, it’s Scott, David.”
“What’s he saying?”
“Oh, just this: ‘Steve, terrific win today. The Polar Bear is in full roar. I look forward to connecting with you soon.’”
(Top photo of Pete Alonso: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Mets’ Playoff Heroics Spark Debate Over Pete Alonso’s Future: A Conversation Between Steve Cohen and David Stearns
Introduction to the Mets’ Playoff Journey
The New York Mets have always been a team of high expectations, and their recent playoff performance has reignited discussions about the future of key players, particularly slugger Pete Alonso. As the Mets’ front office navigates the complexities of roster decisions, the dynamics between owner Steve Cohen and newly appointed President of Baseball Operations David Stearns are under scrutiny. This article explores the implications of Alonso’s playoff heroics, the franchise’s direction, and the ongoing conversation between Cohen and Stearns regarding the future of the team.
The Impact of Pete Alonso in the Playoffs
During the recent postseason, Pete Alonso showcased his power-hitting capabilities, solidifying his status as a critical player for the Mets. His performance included:
- Clutch Home Runs: Alonso hit multiple home runs throughout the playoffs, providing the Mets with crucial momentum.
- Defensive Plays: His defensive capabilities have also been pivotal, demonstrating his all-around talent.
- Leadership Qualities: Alonso’s presence in the clubhouse and on the field has become increasingly important, especially during high-pressure situations.
Statistics That Matter
The following table summarizes Alonso’s playoff performance:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Home Runs | 3 |
| RBIs | 7 |
| Batting Average | .305 |
| On-Base Percentage | .400 |
Steve Cohen’s Vision for the Mets
Owner Steve Cohen has made his ambitions clear since taking over the franchise. His vision includes building a competitive team that not only clinches playoff berths but also contends for World Series championships. Cohen’s commitment is reflected in his willingness to invest in high-profile players and development.
Key Points of Cohen’s Strategy
- Financial Investment: Cohen has backed up his ambitions with substantial financial resources, aiming to create a deep and talented roster.
- Focus on Analytics: Emphasizing data-driven approaches to player acquisitions and game management.
- Fan Engagement: Cohen understands the importance of connecting with the fanbase, boosting ticket sales and overall team support.
David Stearns: A New Era
With David Stearns taking the helm of baseball operations, the Mets are entering a new era of decision-making. Known for his analytical approach and keen eye for talent, Stearns is expected to make impactful changes to the roster while maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Stearns’ Philosophy
- Player Development: Focusing on nurturing young talent within the organization.
- Strategic Trades: Evaluating potential trades that enhance the roster without compromising the team’s future.
- Data Utilization: Implementing advanced statistics to make informed decisions regarding player performance and potential.
The Alonso Dilemma: To Keep or Trade?
As the Mets ponder Alonso’s future, the question arises: should they keep their star first baseman or explore trade options? This dilemma has prompted heated discussions between Cohen and Stearns.
Arguments for Keeping Alonso
- Proven Power Hitter: His ability to change games with one swing makes him invaluable.
- Fan Favorite: Alonso has a strong connection with the fanbase, contributing to overall team morale.
- Potential for Growth: At 28, he still has room to improve and could develop into a franchise cornerstone.
Arguments for Trading Alonso
- Value in Return: The Mets could acquire significant prospects or established players to improve the roster.
- Salary Cap Considerations: Trading Alonso could free up financial resources for other key signings.
- Team Dynamics: A trade may provide an opportunity to reshape the team’s identity and culture.
Case Studies from Recent MLB Trades
Examining recent trades in Major League Baseball offers insight into the potential outcomes of trading a player like Alonso. Below are notable examples:
| Player | Team Traded From | Team Traded To | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Soto | Washington Nationals | San Diego Padres | Multiple top prospects |
| Francisco Lindor | Cleveland Guardians | New York Mets | Prospects + Carrasco |
| Max Scherzer | Washington Nationals | Los Angeles Dodgers | Prospects + Salary Relief |
What’s Next for the Mets?
As the Mets prepare for the offseason, the focus will remain on building a championship-caliber team while carefully considering the futures of stars like Pete Alonso. The conversations between Cohen and Stearns will likely dictate the team’s direction.
Practical Tips for Fans
If you’re a Mets fan looking to stay updated on the latest team developments, consider these tips:
- Follow Team News: Subscribe to reliable sports news outlets for the latest updates on trades and player performance.
- Engage with the Community: Join fan forums and social media groups to share insights and opinions.
- Attend Games: Support the team by attending games and showing your enthusiasm.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
Many fans have expressed their feelings about Alonso’s performance in the playoffs and the potential for a trade. A recent survey indicated that:
- 85% of fans believe Alonso should be retained based on his playoff performance.
- 65% feel that he is crucial for the team’s future success.
- 50% are open to trades if it means acquiring multiple valuable assets.
These sentiments reflect the complexities of fan loyalty and the realities of professional sports.
Conclusion
The Mets are at a crossroads, with Pete Alonso’s future hanging in the balance. As Steve Cohen and David Stearns engage in critical conversations, the outcome will shape the trajectory of the franchise. The Mets’ playoff heroics have not only ignited discussions about Alonso but also set the stage for a transformative offseason filled with potential and promise. As fans, the journey continues, and the excitement around what lies ahead remains palpable.
