The Milwaukee Brewers made a big push to acquire New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso before the trade deadline, according to people familiar with the negotiations. Opinions are divided on how close the deal came to fruition, but one thing is clear: Alonso’s future with the Mets remains a big question.
The Mets traded closer David Robertson before the deadline, two expensive starters in Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, and two outfielders in Mark Cana and Tommy Pham. They kept Alonso but could accept an offer for him this offseason as he enters the final arbitration period before qualifying for free agency.
The Brewers, who entered Tuesday last in the majors in OPS at first base and DH, spoke with the Mets about Alonso before and after acquiring Carlos Santana from the Pirates on July 27. Brewers officials at least knew they had to let Alonso go. He is one of Alonso’s top five prospects. A Milwaukee official said negotiations had progressed until both teams were in “field goal range” for the trade.
A Mets official disputed assessments that a deal with the Brewers was within reach, saying negotiations had never accelerated to that level. Other teams, including the Cubs, have also spoken to the Mets about Alonso. But from the Mets’ point of view, no deal was ever made.
Brewers Double-A outfielder Jackson Cholio, a second-place contender in manager Keith Law’s immediate Top 60, hasn’t been discussed, a team source said.of Brewers’ Other Top 5 ContendersAccording to MLB Pipeline, the candidates are outfielder Sal Frerick, double-A catcher Jefferson Kerro, double-A right-hander Jacob Misilowski and triple-A third baseman Tyler Black. Any one of these players could have been central to Alonso’s trade.
A deal like this would have been a significant departure for the Brewers, who are generally more modest in terms of acquisitions to deadline. Additional players for the season were Kanha, Santana, and left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin. A trade for Alonso would have impressed the team’s fanbase by transforming an offense that was ranked 22nd in points per game in the majors on Tuesday night.
Mets general manager Billy Eppler and Brewers general manager Matt Arnold declined to comment.
“I love representing this organization.” Alonso said after Tuesday night’s game. When asked about this report. “I belong to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, that’s the only thing I know. … I don’t know what the future holds, but for now I’m a member of Metropolitan University, and I’m Metropolitan University.” I love that.”
The question now is how the Mets will proceed with negotiations with the 28-year-old Alonso. Alonso will earn an annual salary in the $21 million to $22 million range in the final year of arbitration. The Brewers’ intention to underwrite that money in 2024 shows that even a low-income club is willing to soak up a lot of money in a single season. So if the Mets choose to move Alonso, virtually any team could have him play this offseason.
But will it? The Mets’ post-deadline lineup with Alonso includes multiple borderline major leaguers. A lineup without him would be even worse, even if they called for a free agency bailout. Alonso, like the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, has proven he can thrive in New York. And unlike other players the Mets have traded on deadline, he’s a homegrown star.
Even if the Mets are aiming to fight in 2025, especially 2026, the possibility of a contract extension is clear. A more analytically inclined member of the Mets’ front office may be reluctant to sign Alonso to a long-term deal when he turns 30. Become a free agent. However, other considerations may also be considered.
If the Mets trade Alonso, they’re effectively severing ties with him, dramatically reducing his chances of re-signing him as a free agent. And if the Mets trade Alonso, he’s going to lose a potential Hall of Fame candidate if he continues to slug out.
Alonso has averaged 42 home runs in four full seasons, with 35 games left this season. He is currently third in the majors with 39 home runs, four behind Shohei Ohtani and Matt Olson. His next home run would be three 40-season home runs, the same number combined as any other player in franchise history.
If Alonso averages 40 home runs over the next eight seasons, it’s certainly a tall order, but he’ll reach 500 at age 36. If he’s averaging 35 home runs, it’ll take him another year. Either way, hitting a milestone like this would almost guarantee him to Cooperstown. In Cooperstown, Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza are the only two other players to appear as Mets on the Hall of Fame plaque.
Does Mets owner Steve Cohen want to give up the possibility of Alonso not only producing such personal accomplishments, but also serving as a linchpin in the Mets’ planned recovery? Cohen and his front office weren’t ready to take that step by the deadline, even if the Brewers were an active trade partner.
The Mets face three choices with Alonso. they can trade him. they can extend him. Alternatively, he could try to re-sign once he becomes a free agent. The longer it takes to make a decision, the greater the questions about his future.
(Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
