MLB Rumors: Mets send warning to Pete Alonso as contract talks drag on and new suitors emerge

With less than a month until pitchers and catchers report to work, Major League Baseball’s offseason is starting to wind down. This gives teams a few precious weeks to put the finishing touches on their squads. Below, CBS Sports has compiled all of Thursday’s most notable news, rumors and moves into one convenient landing spot.

Mets set deadline for Alonso

The Mets and longtime first baseman Pete Alonso continued to negotiate a possible reunion, with the sides “progressing at least on the structure of a proposed deal that is expected to last three years and include at least an opt-out ”, according to the New York Post.

Alas, it doesn’t appear that a deal is in place – or that it’s necessarily guaranteed to happen.

The Post instead adds that the two sides still had a financial gap between them and that the Mets informed Alonso that they will need him to make a decision soon — that way they can look to different options if necessary.

Our own Mike Axisa recently dug in whether a short-term deal like the aforementioned offer would make sense for Alonso or the Mets (or another team).

Alonso, 30, has spent his entire career with the Mets. Over six seasons, he hit .249/.339/.514 (134 OPS+) with 226 home runs. His contributions are worth about 19.8 wins above replacement, according to Baseball Reference. Alonso is a four-time All-Star winner and two-time Home Run Derby champion.

CBS Sports ranked Alonso as the 11th best free agent available for the winter. At the time, we noted that he might receive a cold reception because “he’s also a right-handed first baseman approaching his 30th birthday.” Teams have shown they will make exceptions for generational talents, an Albert Pujols or a Miguel Cabrera, but Alonso is not up to that measure.”

The Blue Jays also on Alonso

It’s worth noting that The Athletic reports that other teams are still involved in Alonso’s bid, including the Blue Jays. If Toronto lands Alonso, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is expected to stay put.

Earlier this week, CBS Sports noted that the Blue Jays, coming off a miserable season, find themselves at a crossroads and could use some clarity on their short- and long-term direction:

The other option is to focus on their short-term competitiveness, regardless of the long-term consequences, by improving the roster around Guerrero and Bichette. Mind you, if the Blue Jays were going to take this kind of aggressive stance this offseason, they likely would have already done so by securing some of their previous targets. While Sasaki’s youth makes him the rare free agent who is a reasonable target regardless of which direction the Blue Jays take, a failure to court him could leave the Blue Jays without another opportunity this offseason to add talent of impact to their list. (“May” because there are still a few quality free agents remaining, like Alex Bregman and Jack Flaherty, and it’s possible the trade market offers a few splashes between now and Opening Day.)

The Blue Jays are also one of three finalists for Japanese ace Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers and Padres are also reportedly in the running.