Ultimately, it was an old-fashioned sit-in between the principles that helped end the deal that brought Pete Alonso back to the Mets.
On Tuesday, the team's owner, Steve Cohen, flew to Tampa, where Alonso lives, and met with Alonso and first baseman president Scott Bolas, along with the president of baseball business David Stearns. The group was convened for about three hours at Stovall House, the social club to which Alonso belongs.
A day later, Alonso agreed to a two-year deal worth $54 million for his return to the Mets. The deal includes an opt-out after the first season and a $10 million signature bonus.
Sources say Alonso had not spoken directly with Cohen during free agency prior to the meeting in Tampa. The sit-in provided Cohen and Stearns' purpose and assuring the slugger that he still wanted, while providing their perspective.
