Mets ‘still engaged’ with Pete Alonso as he explores free agency market

The Mets haven’t given up on the idea of re-signing Pete Alonso. 

On a day Juan Soto was introduced at Citi Field after signing a record contract worth $765 million over 15 years, team owner Steve Cohen was asked if Alonso could be the next piece for the club. 

“We think he is a great bat, and we’re still engaged,” Cohen said. “We hope that he stays.” 

A day earlier at the Winter Meetings, Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, said the first baseman has been speaking with other teams.

But Cohen seemed to indicate there isn’t any hurry for the Mets to take action. 

“[Alonso] just needs some time to go out and test his market and see what it is,” Cohen said. “And hopefully we’ll get there.” 

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has remained consistent in saying the Mets have the payroll flexibility needed to add additional pieces. 

“Where we spend those resources remains to be seen, and how far we go remains to be seen,” Stearns said. 

Stearns was asked how he views Soto defensively.

Soto last season was minus-five in outs above average — placing him in MLB’s 14th percentile, according to Statcast.

But Soto’s arm value ranked in the 90th percentile. 

“I think he is probably league average as a right fielder, and I think he has the ability to get better,” Stearns said. “That is something we actually talked to Juan about during one of the meetings with him, and he’s motivated to continue to improve his defense. 

“He got better this past year, and we think he can take another step forward.” 

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Starling Marte, who has one year remaining on his contract, is a trade candidate with Soto’s addition.

But Stearns said he still believes the veteran outfielder has a role on the team. 

As it stands, the Mets have Soto, Brandon Nimmo, Tyrone Taylor, Jose Siri and Marte as outfield options, with Jeff McNeil also a possibility to play in that role.

The Mets are unsettled at the DH spot. 

“[Marte] is a pro, and he understands how this works,” Stearns said. “But he still has a role on this team.”