Mets get short-term solution with Pete Alonso

The New York Mets and superstar first basemen Pete Alonso came to an agreement on a one-year deal on Thursday, avoiding salary arbitration and coming to a temporary contract solution.

Alonso's deal will pay him $20.5 million, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Alonso is still scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency after this season.

For the Mets, it is at least good news to avoid the arbitration process because nobody is a fan of having to go through that, especially with a star player. However, it still doesn't answer any of the long-term questions regarding his future with the team.

Given how disappointing the 2023 season was, and the number of players who were traded prior to the deadline, Alonso's name has consistently been mentioned in trade rumors. That has only continued as the Mets have failed to make a big splash this offseason in adding to the roster.

Alonso is one of the best right-handed power hitters in baseball and the Mets' best player. That also makes him their most valuable trade chip if they choose to go in that direction.

Given how deep-pocketed owner Steve Cohen is, there really isn't a reason for the Mets to not be able to get him signed long-term if they wanted. But the overall direction of the team, as well as Alonso having a shot at free agency where he would be one of the top players available, definitely complicated all of that.

Alonso hit 46 home runs for the Mets during the 2023 season.