Should the Mets Lock Up Pete Alonso Long-Term?
As the New York Mets assemble in Port St. Lucie for spring training, all eyes, including those of baseball betting picks enthusiasts, are on slugger Pete Alonso as he enters a contract year. Alonso has established himself as one of baseball’s premier power hitters with 130 home runs over his first three full seasons, including a franchise-record 53 as a rookie in 2019 when he won NL Rookie of the Year. His performance not only excites fans but also plays a crucial role in shaping baseball betting picks, given his significant impact on the Mets’ offensive output and their potential success in the upcoming season.
The first baseman’s prodigious power at the plate and popularity among fans has led some to call for the Mets to sign Alonso to a long-term contract extension to make him a potential franchise cornerstone. However, others argue the team would be better served letting him play out 2023 before deciding on his future in Queens. We examine both sides of the argument:
Reasons to Extend Alonso Now
Consistent Elite Power Production
While Alonso endured some ups and downs last season, he still clubbed 40+ home runs for the second time in his career. His raw power and ability to change the complexion of a game with one swing are rare assets. Even in a down year by his standards, Alonso ranked top-5 in the NL in homers, RBIs (131), and slugging (.518). Locking up a perennial 40-homer threat entering his prime makes sense.
Face of the Franchise
Alonso has embraced New York and Mets fans have embraced him back. He brings energy, charisma, and star power to the team – traits that are hard to quantify but important ingredients for a franchise player. With his heavier involvement in the community and place among the team’s all-time greats already, Alonso is emerging as the new poster boy for Mets baseball in the post-Wright era.
Avoid Bidding War in Free Agency
Power pays big in free agency – just look at Aaron Judge. While Alonso may not command $360 million, he would undoubtedly garner massive interest next winter. Steve Cohen and the Mets have the financial might to re-sign him then, but they could have to fend off numerous big-market contenders in a bidding war that inflates his price. Wrapping up Alonso now could be the shrewder play.
Reasons to Wait Until After 2023
First Basemen Have Shaky Long-Term Track Records
Right-handed first basemen like Alonso often struggle to sustain elite production into their 30s. His profile carries inherent risk, so a wait-and-see approach protects the Mets from overcommitting to a deal he can’t live up to down the road as his skills decline. Alonso turns 30 next season and showed some warning signs of regression last year. Making any decisions before then would be premature.
Extra Year to Evaluate Direction of Franchise
While the Mets project as contenders again in 2023, how the rest of the season unfolds could impact Alonso’s future. If they fall out of the race, he could become a prime trade chip at the deadline. Alternatively, the team could take a step back next season and not view Alonso as a sensible long-term investment. Either scenario would change the calculus around extending him right now versus next winter.
Free Agent Market Could Bring Price Back Down
Looking ahead to the 2023-24 offseason, Alonso will have plenty of competition at first base – a position that has become extremely buyer-friendly in free agency. Freddie Freeman and Anthony Rizzo headline a loaded class where demand won’t match supply. Though Alonso should have plenty of suitors, the market conditions could hamper his leverage and bring his price back to Earth after a downtick in production last year. Letting him test free agency first aids the evaluation process and bargaining position.
The Verdict
At his best, Pete Alonso makes a compelling case as a franchise player worthy of a long-term pact to stabilize the Mets’ lineup for years. However, the team has defensible reasons to Pump the brakes and take a wait-and-see approach through 2023 before making any major commitments.
Alonso turns 29 in March and should have several peak seasons left if he stays healthy. That said, righty slugging first basemen often see their production fall off a cliff in their early 30s. Determining whether 2022 was a blip or the start of decline will better inform negotiations next winter.
The Mets also can’t rule out the possibility of moving Alonso at the trade deadline if 2023 goes sideways. Ultimately, his long-term outlook depends on the direction of the franchise over the next 18 months. Extending him now could prove an unnecessary risk.
Though the fanbase would love to see Alonso stay in Queens for the remainder of his career, the prudent move is riding out his contract year, then deciding on the best path forward after 2023 where all options remain available, much like bettors scouting top online betting sites for the best odds. Alonso bet on himself by not taking a discount last year. Now the Mets should let him play the year out and truly bet on himself, mirroring the strategy of savvy users of top online betting sites, before making their own bet to lock up a franchise icon.
