"Mets could've made decision earlier by trading for Vladimir Guerrero Jr" - Sportscaster disputes theory Pete Alonso not part of David Stearns' plans

Sportscasters Pete Hoffman and Evan Roberts argued over the New York Mets' intentions concerning free agent Pete Alonso. The first baseman is one of the last remaining sought-after infielders on the market.

While he has received offers from several teams, the market for him has gone cold with only a few teams like the Washington Nationals, Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks interested

Roberts thinks the fact the Mets didn't trade Alonso when they could in 2024 suggests that they want to bring him back, pushing back against Hoffman, who believes that Alonso doesn't fit the mold of David Stearns' organization. Hoffman suggested the only reason they didn't trade him was because they didn't want to hurt the sentiments of Mets fans.

"Obviously, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is one of the names that’s mentioned a lot, so I’ll give you a comparison on how the Mets could have handled this, and they wouldn’t have lost the PR battle," Roberts said on his podcast (30:15 onwards).

"Two years ago—three years ago, I’m losing track of the years now—the Atlanta Braves won the effing World Series, okay? They won the whole god**** thing," Roberts added. "Freddie Freeman was Mr. Brave, and before he signed with the LA Dodgers, they made the decision for him and told the fans by trading for Matt Olson, 'We’re replacing Freddie Freeman.'

"So, if the New York Mets—if your theory is true that they don’t want Pete back, have no interest—they could have made this decision earlier by either trading for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., signing somebody else, whoever you want to come up with, and saying, 'See?' Kind of like, again, what Houston did and what Atlanta did."

Evan Roberts believes Mets want to re-sign Pete Alonso

Pete Alonso's free agency is interesting. He is a beloved figure among Mets supporters, as evidenced by the standing ovation he received during his final regular season game. However, looking at the future, the Mets could wait until next offseason and sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as they did with Juan Soto this season.

However, the Mets have reportedly offered Alonso a three-year, $90 million deal, suggesting that while they want him back, they'd rather have him on their terms. Evan Roberts believes the same.

"I think what we’re clearly seeing here is that they want him back at a price," Roberts said. "They’re not giving him six years. They’re not giving him maybe five years. And if Pete eventually sees that the market hasn’t developed and gives in, he’ll be a New York Met. If someone makes him a better offer, he won’t be a New York Met. I think that’s different than the way you’re describing it."

A three or four-year deal would make Pete Alonso 32-33 years old by the time his contract ends. This could be what the Mets want and Alonso may have to bite given the lack of offers and market sentiment.