The Mets’ stance on Pete Alonso continues to stay the same.
Those around the organization have made it clear over the past few months that they’d love to have the free agent slugger back in orange and blue next year and beyond.
David Stearns and Carlos Mendoza reiterated that feeling, speaking at the Winter Meetings on Monday.
“Of course I want him,” the skipper said. “You’re talking about a guy that, as a manager, his ability to post every day — when you don’t have to worry about who is going to play first and hitting in the middle of the lineup, you can’t beat that.”
“We’d love to have him back,” Stearns added. “Pete has demonstrated he’s one of the best offensive players in baseball, and he’s performed at a high level for us — that would be a priority for any team, and it certainly is for us.”
Alonso is looking to cash in on his highly productive campaign into a long-term deal.
Recent reports indicated that he may be seeking a pact of at least seven years, but an AL official told Joel Sherman of the NY Post that the length isn’t out there.
The right-handed slugger is expected to drive from his home in Tampa to the meetings on Tuesday to sit down with interested teams, including the Red Sox and Orioles.
New York likely won’t be among those, though, with the two sides having so much familiarity.
“Pete knows us really well; we know Pete really well,” Stearns said. “I think he’ll take the time here to perhaps meet with organizations he doesn’t know quite as well, and we’ll be in touch.”
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