New York Mets fans may not have been able to come this offseason, according to owner Stephen Cohen.
During his appearance on the Mets' Amazing 'Day at Citi Field on Saturday afternoon, Cohen was on a panel with general manager David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza, while legendary broadcaster Gary Cohen (related to None) moderated the group.
But before the question could be asked, the Mets faithful to the crowd exploded into “We want Pete!” The chant references Alonso, a free agent first baseman who has met his entire career.
For more sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen speaks to the media before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field on June 28, 2023 in New York City. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
“Hug it one last time, OK?” Cohen said, smiling at the crowd.
The Mets and Alonso have been in talks, but no deal has been reached after signing Soto to his $765 million deal. New York has landed other players in free agency, but Alonso remains one of the top players on the market.
Alonso was the team's second-round pick for the Florida Gators program in 2016 and hit home runs (226) in his first six seasons, including a rookie-record 53, which helped his Rookie of the Year resume in 2019. hit. He made four All-Star teams, including each of the last three, and has a career .854 OPS.
Mets great David Wright offers advice to Pete Alonso as starting baseman remains signed in free agency
As a fan favorite, it's easy to see why Mets fans are chanting for a hopeful return to a World Series run in 2025, with Soto added to a roster that also includes Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Mark Vientos. I understand.
But he was transparent with the fan base, as he has been many times in the past, about what's going on with negotiations with Alonso's agent, Scott Boras, who represents Soto.
“We made a significant offer to Pete and, you know, what David said is right. He's entitled to go out and explore his market,” Cohen said. Said. “That's what he's doing. Personally, this was an exhausting conversation and negotiation. I mean, Soto was tough. This is bad.”
Soto's sweepstakes was a roller coaster, and it looked like he would stay with the New York Yankees until Cohen swooped in with an offer of a lifetime at the 11th hour.
So, with the record deal completed, how could Alonso's negotiations deteriorate?
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso runs through the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the 2024 NLDS at Citizens Bank Park. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)
“I don't like the structure that's being presented to us,” Cohen explained. “I think it's very asymmetrical to us and I feel strongly about it. I would never say no. There's always a possibility. But the reality is that we move forward and We keep bringing in players, and the reality is that it's getting harder to fit into the very expensive group of players that we already have.
“I'm brutally honest. I don't like negotiations. I don't like what's presented to us. Maybe it will change. Certainly, I always remain flexible. “What we have We will have to get used to the fact that we may have to move forward with the existing players.”
Mets fans appreciated the honesty from the owner and applauded him at the end.
Stearns said, “We all love Pete. And we've said it many times. I think we continued to express it as we went through this process. ”
SNY reported this week that the Mets are offering $680 million in “current money” on the table. Alonso turned down a deal worth more than $70 million, taking into account the deferred money.
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen defended his team's deadline move. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Click here to get the Fox News app
The Toronto Blue Jays have also been linked to Alonso, but there is no trade imminent.
Follow sports coverage on X on Fox News Digital and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
