MLB insider claims Pete Alonso's free agency "going to take a long time to resolve," citing past rejection of $158,000,000 Mets deal

Pete Alonso is one of the best sluggers on the free-agent market, but MLB insider Andy Martino believes a deal involving him won't happen soon. On Tuesday's episode of SNY's "Mets Hot Stove," Martino and the panel delved into the possible contract value Alonso could command and explored alternative strategies the New York Mets might pursue if they part ways with their star slugger.

"Where the Mets stand on Alonso is that they appreciate what he does, what he brings, and who he is," Martinez said. "They like him, and that’s where they stand on him." (0:08).

However, Martino said that neither the Mets nor any other franchises have begun going after Alonso. The insider explained that interest in Alonso will likely pick up only after Juan Soto, the most coveted free agent, chooses a team.

Martino also mentioned that Pete Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, declined a seven-year $158,000,000 contract extension from the Mets, originally offered in 2023.

"I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of people in the industry who believe he’s going to hit that number [more than $158,000,000] in free agency," Martino said. "So the question becomes at what point will he be willing to sign with a team, and what will a team be willing to offer? I think this is going to take a long time to resolve, wherever he goes." (0:42).

MLB analyst names alternative if Pete Alonso doesn't sign with Mets

MLB analyst Will Sammon believes the Mets are interested in keeping Pete Alonso as their first baseman. However, he also said that David Stearns, the Mets' President of Baseball Operations, possibly has a backup plan in mind if the unthinkable happened.

"[If] Pete just prefers to go somewhere else for whatever reason, David Stearns is not going to be unprepared for that moment. I believe he’s checked in on guys like Christian Walker. He’s going to have a plan in place so that if the unexpected happens, he won’t be surprised or caught off guard."

Analyst John Harper suggested that Mark Vientos, who plays third base for the Mets, is also a potential fit at first base. However, Sammon disagreed, citing the 24-year-old solidified the position with his performance last season.