Mets' Steve Cohen addresses Pete Alonso's future, Juan Soto's tough begin

The New York Mets appropriately prevented overpaying to carry onto first baseman Pete Alonso this previous offseason, as they have been in a position to signal him to a two-year, $54M contract that included an opt-out after the 2025 marketing campaign. 

Alonso has since develop into one of many Nationwide League’s hottest hitters and an enormous cause the Mets started Tuesday at 20-9. 

Earlier than the Amazins thrashed the Washington Nationals 19-5 on Monday afternoon, Mets proprietor Steve Cohen advised MLB insiders Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman on the most recent episode of “The Present” podcast that he understands Alonso’s subsequent contract doubtless will not be fairly as low cost because the deal the slugger inked earlier than the beginning of spring coaching. 

“He’s a terrific Met, and I mentioned this final 12 months, if we are able to work it out, we’ll work it out, however he’s going to go discover his market, and you understand that’s his proper,” Cohen mentioned, as shared by Christian Arnold of the New York Publish. “It’s onerous to know the way these issues work out. I do know we’re proud of him. I imagine he’s blissful to be a Met and that’s place to start out in any future discussions.” 

Will Sammon of The Athletic is amongst those that have just lately famous that what Alonso has given the 2025 Mets since Opening Day could also be one of the best model, to this point, of the “Polar Bear.” Per ESPN stats, he ended Monday main the crew with a .337 common, six dwelling runs (tied with outfielder Brandon Nimmo), 27 RBI and a 1.088 OPS. 

It’s miles too early to guess what Alonso could possibly be value on the open market this fall. For now, Cohen and Co. are nonetheless ready for All-Star outfielder Juan Soto to warmth up. 

“For those who ask him, he’d in all probability say it isn’t going as what he hoped,” Cohen mentioned about Soto’s unimpressive begin to his Mets tenure, per Danny Abriano of SNY. “That is not what the again of his baseball card would say. However saying that, there’s numerous delicate issues that he does that I actually suppose issues. The best way that he works the rely, makes pitchers throw further pitches, actually issues.”

That is all properly and good, however Cohen did not hand Soto a 15-year, $765M contract that might exceed $800M to work counts and easily get on base. Soto started Tuesday morning slashing .257/.378/.410 with a .787 OPS, three dwelling runs and 12 RBI on the season. He final went deep on April 15, and his signature “Soto Shuffle” has gone lacking as of late. 

“It’s going to come back out sooner or later,” Soto mentioned concerning the shuffle whereas talking with Sammon forward of Monday’s victory. “It simply relies upon — I simply gotta really feel it.”

Cohen added that he’s “not apprehensive about Juan” roughly one month into the marketing campaign. That is comprehensible on the ultimate Tuesday of April, however it stays to be seen how lengthy the Mets can keep atop the NL standings with Soto failing to reside as much as the expectations that include receiving a historic contract. 

The Mets open a three-game dwelling sequence in opposition to the Arizona Diamondbacks (15-13) on Tuesday evening.