The Mets and Pete Alonso continue to talk about a possible deal that could potentially keep him in Queens, at least in the short term – although there was still thought to be a gap between the offer and counter. offer and, therefore, there was still a lot of work to be done. as time is running out.
While the parties appear to be making progress at least on the structure of a draft agreement that is expected to last three years and include at least an opt-out clause, there was no indication Wednesday that the parties have overcome the substantial financial obstacle that awaited them. about these high-profile discussions regarding the star free agent first baseman.
And the Mets have let Alonso’s camp know they need a decision — and soon — on whether the two sides can reach a deal, because they want to make sure they give themselves enough time and options to pivot elsewhere before spring training, The Post has learned. .
It’s not publicly known whether the Mets have set a firm deadline, but they have stepped up the call for a resolution one way or the other, not wanting to see other alternatives leave the market while they wait for Alonso.
For example, Anthony Santander is a 40-homer hitter who remains available as a potential blocker if the Mets fail to retain Alonso.
Or the Mets could redirect significant funds toward building an elite bullpen by targeting Tanner Scott and a still-significant free agent relief pool.
Even though teams seem to favor this structure in the short term, one big question remains: Can they bridge the financial gap to keep the first baseman in Flushing?
Before signing elsewhere, the Mets at least considered other players to hit in the middle of the lineup, from Teoscar Hernandez to Joc Pederson and even Paul Goldschmidt.
Alonso’s case hasn’t been helped by the number of first basemen who have already found new homes this offseason, including Goldschmidt, Jake Burger, Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Naylor, Carlos Santana and Christian Walker.
And Detroit moved out of the first base market when they signed Gleyber Torres to play second and moved Colt Keith to first.
The Giants could still potentially be a fit, but it’s not an ideal situation for Alonso, given that Oracle Park is not a hitter’s park.
The Angels are another team eyeing Alonso, while the Mariners, Jays and Red Sox are also linked to him.
If Alonso left, the Mets could move Mark Vientos from third base to first and use a combination of Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio at third, which could also leave the Mets open to pursuing a first baseman l next year with a free match. -Agent class that includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
If the Mets stay in-field, Baty would be considered the most likely candidate to win the job if it isn’t split.
The Mets have been reported by SNY’s Andy Martino to have at least verified a Guerrero trade, but there is little indication or belief that the Jays are interested in a Guerrero trade.
— Additional reporting by Dan Martin
