The New York Mets are currently facing a difficult stretch, having lost five consecutive games and nine of their last ten matches, slipping to an 18-29 record since mid-June. Heading into their August 9 game against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Mets find themselves 3.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East division. Amid this struggling team performance, concerns are growing among fans about the future of star first baseman Pete Alonso, whose potentially imminent free agency adds to the club’s uncertainties.
Alonso’s impressive season performance suggests he will almost certainly opt out of his existing contract to explore free agency again, much like last year. His strong statistics this season boost his value for a substantial long-term contract, which he is expected to command on the open market.
Insights from Former Mets GM Zack Scott on Alonso’s Contract Situation
Zack Scott, who served as the Mets’ general manager during 2021, shared his perspective on Alonso’s upcoming contract discussions during an August 9 interview on Sal Licata’s WFAN Radio show. When asked about his approach to negotiating Alonso’s deal, Scott emphasized a forward-looking evaluation of value and expected performance over the contract duration.
A front office perspective is always forward-looking. It’s always, ‘What are we buying? What kind of performance can we expect, reasonably, over the term of this contract we’re talking about?’
—Zack Scott, Former Mets GM
Scott acknowledged Alonso’s likelihood of declining his current deal early, citing typical concerns about players of Alonso’s profile potentially aging faster. He noted the challenges in projecting a long-term commitment under those circumstances.
So [Alonso] is going to decline. It’s inevitable. We don’t always know when. There are some things you can learn from looking at players of his type… those guys might not age great, and that’s why you might be a little more cautious,
—Zack Scott, Former Mets GM
Reflecting on recent negotiations led by Brewers GM David Stearns, Scott praised the cautious yet firm approach taken despite Alonso’s initially outstanding season trajectory. Although Alonso’s recent performance showed some decline, Scott believes maintaining a tough negotiating posture remains prudent.
So it’s hard. And I think Stearns handled it well the past offseason… [Alonso] was on pace to have an outstanding year… He has fallen off a little bit in the past month or so. But I don’t think [Stearns] will change the approach. I probably wouldn’t. I would probably play hardball,
—Zack Scott, Former Mets GM
When pressed about the prospect of committing to a long-term contract for Alonso, Scott advised caution due to Alonso’s advancing age and potential future role changes, such as a possible move to designated hitter (DH) as his speed and defense decline.
I wouldn’t go too long. He’s another year older… I just think he doesn’t have anywhere to go other than DH as he slows down.
—Zack Scott, Former Mets GM
Implications for the Mets and Alonso’s Future
Scott’s viewpoint reflects the strategic difficulties the Mets face in locking down their top slugger amid uncertainty about his long-term production and health. The likelihood that Alonso tests free agency creates pressure for the Mets’ front office to weigh short-term needs against long-term financial and roster flexibility. Fans hopeful for Alonso to remain may find Scott’s advice hard to accept, but it underscores the reality of managing a competitive team with aging core players.
As the Mets continue their current season struggles and prepare for Alonso’s contract decision, the organization’s handling of these negotiations will significantly shape their competitive outlook beyond this season. The coming months will reveal whether the Mets choose a firm negotiating stance or pursue a more extended commitment to their leading hitter.