Reds HOFer predicts Pete Alonso's next contract, shuts down criticism of 4x All-Star's defensive skills at first base

The Houston Astros have signed first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract, while Pete Alonso, widely considered as the top free agent for this position, is still available on the open market.

Former first baseman Sean Casey thinks Pete Alonso will rejoin the New York Mets next year as he quashed away the criticism leveled against the defensive skills of the four-time All-Star. Casey feels the Mets will eventually sign Alonso to a deal in the region of $150-180 million, spread over five to six years, even though Alonso desires a longer and more lucrative contract.

Sean Casey, a four-time All-Star, said on The Mayor's Office podcast about the potential landing spot for Pete Alonso on Friday. (5:00 - 8:00)

"I'm hearing he wants an eight-year deal; I don't think he's going to get that. I could see for Pete, five years for $30 (million) a year at $150 (million)," Casey said. "You wonder if the Mets are still in. Obviously, they're not giving him his number. I could see six (years) for $180 (million), maybe.

Casey also defended Alonso regarding his defensive contribution at first base.

"He's literally one of the best scoopers in the game,' he claimed. "As a first baseman, you'd want a guy that picks everything up, and he does. So, that's irrelevant. I think the biggest thing is, is the power going to continue? How's the body going to age? He's had some decline in the last couple of years."

Alonso had rejected a seven-year, $158 million contract extension from the Mets in 2023.

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"Turning into an 'all or nothing' hitter": Sean Case on the struggles of Pete Alonso

Sean Casey says Pete Alonso is a better defender than he gets credit for (Image Source: Imagn)

Pete Alonso certainly didn't have the ideal campaign he would have wanted heading into free agency for the first time in his career.

Despite being named an All-Star, he finished with a .240/.329/.459 slash line, including a .788 OPS, 34 home runs and a career-high 172 strikeouts. Moreover, his batting average has stayed below .250, along with the on-base percentage remaining under .330 for the past two years, while his OPS dropped below .800 for the first time this season.

"That's the reason; those are the numbers," Sean Casey said. "That means you're turning into a 'all or nothing' (hitter). You're turning into a guy that just either homers or punches out."

Alonso has been one of the most consistent power hitters in the game after he set the record by smashing 53 home runs for the New York Mets during his debut season in 2019.