Pete Alonso reportedly turned down huge contract offer from Mets

April 16, 2022; New York, New York, United States; New York Mets designated hitter Pete Alonso (20) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Pete Alonso’s future with the New York Mets is unclear, and that’s even more true after a report revealed how much money he turned down from the team last summer.

The Mets offered Alonso a seven-year contract extension worth $158 million last June, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The offer was similar to the eight-year, $168 million extension the Atlanta Braves gave to first baseman Matt Olson.

Despite this, Alonso’s camp did not accept the offer and the two sides did not even appear to be close to reaching a deal. This prompted the Mets to briefly offer Alonso as a trade candidate.

The team apparently changed direction late in the season, when new team president David Stearns took over baseball operations. The team has started trying to work out a contract extension with Alonso again, although nothing has come of it and nothing appears close.

Alonso remains the Mets’ most dangerous and valuable hitter, with 10 homers in the first 44 games of the season. He is eligible for free agency at the end of the 2024 season, so there will be a sense of urgency if both sides want to do something.