New York Mets star first baseman Pete Alonso has been the subject of widespread MLB trade rumors through the first half of the season. As Alonso, 29, heads into free agency this coming winter, the Mets have struggled but managed to stage a nice run heading into the All-Star Break.
The burning question in the Big Apple is whether New York will move off its franchise cornerstone ahead of the trade deadline later this month. With the unofficial second half of the season starting again on Friday, this topic has been one of the major talking points.
As Alonso prepares for Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game, he’s been vocal about his desire to remain with the Mets. “I’m super happy to be a Met, super proud to be a Met,” Alonso told the NY Post. “I’d love to stay. I don’t want to get traded. I love it. It’s home.”
Will the New York Mets Trade Pete Alonso?
The star first baseman might have his own take on a future in New York, but the final decision rests with owner Steve Cohen and the Mets’ front office. Alonso is represented by super-agent Scott Boras, who is known for securing lucrative contracts for his clients. While Boras’s strategies have sometimes backfired, his track record in MLB free agency is well-documented.
The Mets’ season has been a rollercoaster. On May 29, they were 11 games under .500 after a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, they have since turned things around with a 27-13 run, putting them back in the National League Playoff race.
So far in the 2024 season, Alonso has posted a .240 batting average with 19 home runs, 51 RBIs, and a .772 OPS. Known more for his power than his average, Alonso’s ability to hit the long ball has been a hallmark since his debut in 2019.
For the Mets, the decision to trade Alonso will hinge on their assessment of their competitive prospects this season versus their chances of retaining him in free agency. Balancing immediate performance with long-term strategy will be crucial for the team as they navigate the second half of the season and the looming trade deadline.