The New York Mets needed to make some big moves in free agency after whiffing on the postseason earlier this year, but they’re trending in the wrong direction.
The Mets whiffed in the Edwin Diaz sweepstakes as the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly agreed to a deal with the star closer on Tuesday. Now the Mets will need to pivot to a backup plan.
MLB’s Mark Feinsand recently reported the Mets were targeting a new contract with slugger Pete Alonso. Alonso is projected to sign a massive $182 million deal in free agency, per Jim Bowden of The Athletic.
“The Mets clearly need to add another late-inning reliever, so Suarez is among the options that make sense,” Feinsand wrote. “That said, whomever they sign won’t cost as much as Díaz, leaving some more money for them to pursue a reunion with Alonso.
“Losing both Díaz and Alonso — two of their most popular players — would certainly be a gut punch to the fan base. The sticking point between the Mets and Alonso could very well be years, as sources say that the Mets may be hesitant to go more than three years with the first baseman.”
Alonso should be the team’s top priority now. They can’t afford to whiff on the postseason, lose Diaz, miss out on Kyle Schwarber, and then lose Alonso as well.
The Mets might be caught up in the length of the contract, but they need to bite the bullet and give him the money and deal that he wants. New York can’t afford to lose Alonso because of a year or two in contract length.
More MLB: Red Sox Prioritizing $182M Star After Whiffing On Kyle Schwarber: Report
