New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo made it known during the latest edition of “The Show” podcast with MLB insiders Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman that he “would love to see” All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso remain in Queens beyond the upcoming season.
Alonso is on track to reach free agency this fall.
“I think he’s been nothing but a positive impact on our clubhouse — he’s always fiery and ready to go,” Nimmo said about Alonso, per Ben Krimmel of SNY. “He always wants the best out of himself and everybody around him. I think he is a great clubhouse guy and is obviously one of the best power hitters in the game. I really think he wants to and he should stay a New York Met. Ultimately, that will come down to what happens this season and this offseason, and what is best for him and his family.”
Nimmo’s comments about Alonso being “a great clubhouse guy” are interesting considering it was suggested last summer that the “Polar Bear” was made available to other clubs ahead of the trade deadline because the Mets needed “a significant change in that clubhouse and their culture.”
As Danny Abriano of SNY noted, Mets utility man Jeff McNeil said during an appearance on the “Foul Territory” program last month that he wants Alonso as a teammate “for a long time.”
According to the latest updates on the subject, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns and team owner Steve Cohen are expected to hold onto Alonso through at least the start of the season. It is, however, thought the Mets could put the 29-year-old on the trade block this summer if they have a losing record around the All-Star break. Cohen could then theoretically offer Alonso a new contract in free agency.
“I think he does nothing but bring positivity and good things to the clubhouse, and, obviously, we all know what he does on the field,” Nimmo added about Alonso. “Would love to see him stay in a Mets uniform, but ultimately that will be up to him.”
There’s no indication the Mets will sign Alonso to an extension before Opening Day, so he’ll likely look to increase his value with stellar on-the-field performances in a contract year. While Cohen realistically can outbid any owner for Alonso’s services, it’s unclear if Stearns and company want to lock the fan-favorite down via an expensive contract that the slugger will ultimately sign with some club down the road.