Over the weekend word filtered out that the Mets have made initial offers to both opt-out candidates. Apparently they proposed a 3-year deal to Pete Alonso for $102 million and a 4-year deal to Edwin Diaz for $88 million. It is interesting to see that the rates per year are indeed higher than what both had earned in the past but the lengths are going to be the sticking point (for Alonso most certainly).
Last year’s $54 million deal for Pete Alonso paid him $30 million for year one and would have resulted in $24 million for year two. Those are certainly not bad (if unbalanced) numbers. Still, the Mets needed to know that after being asked to take a $6 million cut in pay he would get if he fulfilled the terms of the deal as structured. Now some could look at it that the team offered an average pay rate of $27 million per year which was more than fair but both Cohen and Scott Boras knew that it was done to hedge bets against another substandard season from Alonso for which they were paying $30 million up front.
Fast forward to the offer made by the Mets and it appears that they were being credible but drawing a line in the sand regarding the length of the commitment. The raise from a planned $24 million salary to $34 million is certainly reasonable and arguably higher than was anticipated, but the term of only 2026 to 2028 will surely be viewed as a slap in the face. What Boras and Cohen need to recognize is that you can get pay rate or contract term to your satisfaction but not necessarily both.
During this past season Diaz showed just how dominant he can be when he’s healthy. His 2025 numbers were outstanding. He earned 28 saves with a 1.63 ERA and struck out 13.3 per 9 innings pitched. Opposing hitters tallied just a .164 batting average against Diaz. His decision to seek more money and more years is also understandable.
The Cohen offer of $22 million per year for four more years would take Diaz to age 35 with a fat bank account. The fact that they offered Diaz 4 years while only suggesting 3 to the more expensive Alonso is revealing in who they value more for their future roster. There are alternatives available in the free agent market at 1st base and at closer so it’s not as if being turned down by one or both players means a total loss to the team.
The key thing to remember is it is merely the opening round. Rumor floated out that Boras and Alonso are asking for $250 million for a very long term deal. No matter how you slice it that number is simply unrealistic. 7 years at nearly $36 million per year up through his late 30s doesn’t make sound business sense. The question is whether or not there is a middle ground acceptable to both sides. Regarding Diaz, it would seem that there is likely a greater probability of coming to some kind of deal.
10 comments:
A few things
1. I thought that Diaz would re-up with the Mets right away , but it seems his agent has stepped in and is serving up all the click bait designed to hook a big fish... and I don't mean a Marlin.
2. I expect the Alonso signing somewhere go far past the patience of the Cohen family... who might have mixed up friendship with business
3. the voice of reason here may be Stearns who has no emotions tied up in either of these two prima donas.
4. I expect another closer to be signed long term, Maybe that Ranger guy
5. I expect the Mets to order Vientos to camp reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal early and tell him to bring his first base mit with him
6. I also expect Ryan Clifford to waiting for Pete when he arrives at Clover
Let’s be honest with ourselves because we have seen all sides of Edwin Diaz. When he is filthy, he can get away with his bad habits of walking people needlessly and then letting them steal second and third on two pitches. Problem is, what happens when he isn’t filthy? Will he always stay filthy?
Alonso is a flawed player. It is hard to comprehend how a first baseman doesn’t know how to underhand flip to first base. Again, when he rocks and has a 3.6fWAR like last year, he wants to be paid like he does it every year. Well, he doesn’t. I’d rather have Alonso back than Diaz because Alonso can be put at DH. Problem is, if you can’t close with Diaz, that’s an expensive setup man. How did the Dodgers win without a set closer? Is it a rule that every team has one?
I believe it's been an honor to watch the best of him
Alonso
How long did it take us to forget Duda? Kingman?
It’s notable that the Mets have actually put offers to both this quickly. I agree that they will likely not wait too long for the market to develop. If the market (real or agent-engineered) takes them beyond th Mets acceptable limits, the Mets will pivot quickly. If either winds up bluffing & is hanging around towards the end of the offseason the Mets might come back. But decisions & moves will be made earlier than last season. Too much reconstruction work to be done
RVH
There is a big difference between an offer and an opening salvo
No one shows early cards
It’s early, Shirley. The dance has gotten underway.
It is easiest for the home fans to see the flaws first. Opponents see the greatness first. That is why some team will offer Diaz more than he deserves. Hopefully the voice of reason will provide enough incentive to keep one of the best closers in the business in a Mets uniform.
Agree, Mack. The length of the deal offered by the Mets is just their way of saying, "I won't overpay for THAT long".
The money sounds right to me. If that's not good enough for them, let them walk. Let them become old somewhere else.
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