Mets slugger projected for ‘rude awakening’ after turning down $158 million offer

The New York Mets have enjoyed a second-half surge in the wins column, placing them firmly in the final National League Wild Card spot.

But they’ve done so while amid a down year for homegrown slugger Pete Alonso, who has slashed .239/.327/.465 on the season, a slump from his .249/.339/.517 career line. As Alonso seeks a new, long-term deal in free agency this winter, Tim Boyle of FanSided has projected that decline will lead to a “rude awakening” for Alonso as he’s unable to match a long-term offer from the Mets that he reportedly declined in 2023.

“The famous seven-year deal worth $158 million seems like a far reach for what the Mets or anyone else would give the slugging first baseman this offseason,” Boyle added. “He hasn’t hit for nearly as much power or driven in the number of runs the Mets needed him to.”

As a four-time All-Star, the 29-year-old Alonso promises to add some pop to nearly any batting order. Spotrac estimates his market value at more than $206 million over seven years. But Doyle noted that the recent history of large deals for slugging first base veterans could make teams wary of offering Alonso a large contract.

“Free agency isn’t kind to first basemen; at least not anymore,” he noted. “Far too many have become busts. Ryan Howard. Albert Pujols. Miguel Cabrera to an extent. These long contracts just don’t make sense anymore.”

While Alonso’s numbers have dipped this season, Major League Baseball contracts seem only to be growing. By signing Matt Chapman to a $151 million extension this season, for instance, the San Francisco Giants might have increased Alonso’s market value.

“The $151M Chapman deal could possibly raise the bar for Alonso, offered $158M over seven years by the Mets last year,” Jon Heyman suggested for the New York Post. “Though Chapman’s an elite defender, he’s two years older and never had 100 RBIs…”

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