The New York Mets are surging toward the playoffs, which has momentarily taken the focus off the cloud looming over one of their signature stars.
At 83-68, the Mets are two games clear of the rival Atlanta Braves for a Wild Card spot in the National League. Whenever the playoff run ends, though, all eyes will shift to first baseman Pete Alonso, the four-time All-Star who is already third on New York's all-time home run list.
After turning down a reported $158 million extension offer from the Mets in the offseason, Alonso has been under a microscope all season. With free agency looming, Alonso finally gave a slight indication of where he sees himself playing next year.
On Tuesday, before the Mets' 10-1 win over the Washington Nationals, Alonso addressed his free agency with New York Post reporter Joel Sherman. Below is an excerpt from Sherman's article, in which Alonso is quoted as saying he believes his future is still in New York.
"While discussing both getting into the playoffs and his future, Alonso had said he had 'a gut feeling' it will all work out positively. When asked to clarify if he meant the Mets getting into the playoffs or him staying long-term with the franchise, Alonso smiled and said, 'Both.' It is not, he said, because there have been any covert negotiations on an extension. Simply, he said, what he wants to believe — "I love it here. It’s a really special place.'"
Alonso hit his 33rd home run of the season on Tuesday night--a good number for most MLB hitters, but a down year for the righty slugger. His .805 OPS would be a career-low, though he still has three more series to boost it up a bit.
“Yeah, this year necessarily isn’t my standard,” Alonso said, per Sherman. “But, for me, we still have 12 games left and the biggest thing I want to do is win and I want to contribute to a winning culture — and this group is fantastic. Whatever happens in free agency happens. I’m not really too concerned about that.”
Of course, both sides have to agree on a number, which has derailed many a superstar's contract negotiation in the past. But Mets fans have to be happy hearing that Alonso still sees himself in blue and orange.
First, Alonso just has to focus on performing at his best during this Mets postseason run. The rest will take care of itself after that.
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