Alonso May Return After Soto’s Signing

With Juan Soto now a New York Met, fans and analysts alike are wondering if the team’s other star slugger, Pete Alonso, could return to Queens. Despite landing Soto in a historic $765 million deal, Mets owner Steve Cohen has made it clear that the team is still actively engaging with Alonso in hopes of a reunion. Here’s a look at the latest Mets offseason developments and what’s next for their roster.

Will Pete Alonso Return to the Mets?

The Mets made waves by signing Juan Soto, but their pursuit of another key player—Pete Alonso—remains alive. Cohen lately confirmed that the Mets are still “engaged” with Alonso, who recently turned 30. Alonso, who has spent six successful seasons with the Mets, is a fan favorite in New York, known for his power-hitting ability and clutch performances. He hit 226 home runs during his time with the team, including a pivotal three-run shot in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series last fall against the Brewers.

Even with the Mets’ hefty investment in Soto, Cohen has shown a willingness to spend big in an effort to build a championship team. This could mean room for both players on the roster, with the Mets still in talks with Alonso as the offseason continues. While other teams are likely to enter the fray, the Mets remain hopeful that they can lock down their homegrown star and keep him in Queens for the long haul.

Will the Mets Re-Sign Sean Manaea?

The Mets may not stop there, as reports are suggesting that the team is growing more optimistic about a potential reunion with left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea. Manaea, who had a standout year with the Mets in 2023, is a prime target for the team’s pitching staff. The 33-year-old posted a career-high 181 2/3 innings and a solid 3.47 ERA. His performance was impressive enough to place him among the league leaders in strikeouts and WHIP.

The Mets are reportedly optimistic about bringing Manaea back, with speculation that Manaea could secure a deal worth around $100 million. If the Mets can’t land Manaea, they may pivot to other mid-tier options like right-hander Nick Pivetta, who has been a reliable starter for the Red Sox in recent seasons. However, signing Pivetta would require the Mets to forfeit a draft pick, which adds a layer of complexity to the decision.

Potential Pitching Moves

Even after adding Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes to their pitching staff, the Mets are still on the lookout for more depth in their rotation. Whether it’s Manaea or Pivetta, the team is determined to strengthen its pitching to ensure they remain competitive in the National League. With a deep-pocketed owner and a roster already stacked with talent, the Mets will likely continue to make aggressive moves throughout the offseason.

As the winter progresses, keep an eye on the Mets’ pursuit of Pete Alonso and their efforts to bolster their pitching rotation. The team’s combination of financial flexibility and ambition makes them one of the most intriguing teams to watch this offseason.