Signing Pete Alonso that two-year $54 million deal (plus opt-out) may be the smartest thing the Mets have done. But given the difficulties the Mets were forgering their beloved slugger contract in the winter, it’s a long shot to extend him into the season.
Another complication: If your long-term annual salary is conservatively $5 million ($35 million instead of $30 million), the Mets will cost $10.5 million, as they are at a 110% “Steve Cohen tax” level.
And Alonso, third in OPS’ MLB, who enters Thursday (1.122), certainly seeks more than $35 million after Vladimir Guerrero scores $500 million and $35.7 million on a 14-year deal. (And realistically, Vlad Jr. is actually worth more than $35.7 million since the final year was estimated as a gift.) That’s early, but Alonso is taking his third year pace in four years.
Alonso will almost certainly opt out to become a free free agent, but Mets people say. Even his defense seems to have improved.
