"Track record of Carlos Correa doesn't say that" - Sportscaster compares Twins SS with Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman, weighs Mets fit for 3x All-Star

Several infield signings have left Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso in a tight spot during negotiations with teams like the New York Mets as they eye a long-term contract. The New York Mets have reportedly offered Alonso a deal worth $90 million for three years, the highest for the first baseman in the majors.

Amid this conversation, a former teammate of Bregman, Carlos Correa, was part of a trade idea floated by journalist Joel Sherman. This comes as amusing given the three time All-Star and the Mets had a deal ahead of the 2023 season that fell through after the physical.

In comparing Correa with other stars like Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman, sportscaster Evan Roberts delved into the risks and rewards of acquiring Correa under his current deal with the Minnesota Twins.

"Carlos Correa makes $37 million next year at age 30," Roberts said Sunday on WFAN (15:07 onwards). "Then it drops to $32 million in 2026. By 2027, it’s $31 million, and it stays at $31 million in 2028. So there are four guaranteed years for Correa. That’s not bad. The money’s very high, but four guaranteed years for Correa—who, unlike Pete Alonso or Alex Bregman—is a liability to stay healthy.

"For all the concerns about giving Pete Alonso a long-term deal—concerns mostly based on his numbers going down or how he’ll age—we’re basically trying to predict the future. None of us know for sure, but so far, Pete’s been healthy. Alex Bregman? Same thing. What will he be like at 33, 34, or 35? We don’t know, but the track record says he’s healthy. The track record on Carlos Correa does not say that."

Evan Roberts wants Mets to adopt Correa-Twins contract model to sign Pete Alonso

While both the Mets and Pete Alonso are interested in reuniting, the contract details have stalled the negotiations. While Alonso wants a deal of five years, the Mets are not willing to offer a long-term contract for a player who is in his early 30s.

To hit the resume button, Roberts proposed Mets and Alonso ink a contract similar to that of Carlos Correa with the Twins, where salaries are contingent on his ability to stay on the field.

Correa’s contract (six-year, $200 million deal) includes four guaranteed years with high annual salaries but is structured to mitigate long-term risk. Vesting options, based on plate appearances, kick in after the guaranteed years.

"So what if they followed the Correa model? Give Alonso three years, $90 million, and have the fourth year vest at $25 million if he gets 600 plate appearances," Roberts said. "He doesn’t need to hit .310; he just needs to play.

"The same approach could apply for the fifth year. Would the Mets go for it? They’re hesitant about long-term deals, but if their fear is about health, vesting options offer some protection."

It remains to be seen how the Mets go about their offseason, especially to address their negotiations with Pete Alonso.