Pete Alonso had tense meeting with Steve Cohen, ‘aired his frustrations’ before re-signing with New York Mets

Pete Alonso’s challenging offseason came to an end Wednesday night when the New York Mets signed him to a two-year, $54 million contract.

The first baseman will make $30 million in 2025, with the option to opt-out after the season.

Alonso, a four-time All-Star, had previously rejected a seven-year, $158 million extension from the Mets in 2023, leaving over $100 million behind.

Although many anticipated Alonso’s return to Queens, the lengthy negotiations caught industry insiders off guard. Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, reportedly turned down a three-year, $70 million offer earlier this offseason. After that, the Mets pivoted, signing outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker to a one-year deal and adding left-handed reliever A.J. Minter.

Alonso’s market narrowed as teams filled first-base needs through trades and signings. His refusal of the Mets’ qualifying offer meant that any team signing him would lose a draft pick, which further hurt his market value.

Now that Alonso will remain in New York for at least another year, an MLB insider has revealed how the deal came together.

The breakthrough came after a face-to-face meeting in Tampa. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Mets owner Steve Cohen flew to Florida on Tuesday for several hours of talks with Alonso, Boras, and Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.

Cohen met with Alonso and Boras (with Stearns also present) at Stovall House, a social club, to finalize the deal. Alonso expressed his frustration about the negotiation process. It was emphasized to him that the Mets wanted him to stay.

Puma reported that Alonso shared his dissatisfaction over not receiving the type of offer he had expected from the Mets. Cohen responded by explaining the impact of the qualifying offer and how it affected Alonso’s market, since any team signing him would lose a draft pick.

Cohen stressed that the Mets were eager to keep Alonso.

Following the meeting, talks gained momentum, leading to the agreement on Wednesday. Alonso now plans to bounce back and rebuild his market value before potentially testing free agency again after the season.