REPORT: Mets Send 9-Word Message After Historic Francisco Lindor News
The New York Mets were seen as a strong contender to land Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in free agency next winter. However, those hopes were dashed when the Toronto Blue Jays locked up their star slugger with a 14-year contract extension. With Guerrero no longer an option, the Mets will now need to look elsewhere for a long-term solution at first base.
According to FanSided’s Zachary Rotman, this development significantly boosts the chances of the Mets re-signing Pete Alonso. “The Mets might have gone all-in on Guerrero Jr. given Alonso’s uncertain contract situation,” Rotman noted. “But with Guerrero staying in Toronto, the focus naturally shifts back to Alonso. While the team could explore other corner infielders, none are as fitting as Alonso. He wants to stay in Queens, and the Mets should want to keep him around.”
Alonso returned to the Mets this past offseason on a one-year deal that includes a $24 million player option for 2026, which he’s expected to decline to test free agency again. Despite limited interest last winter, Alonso could command a sizable contract—Spotrac projects a deal worth $174 million, though that figure may be a bit optimistic. Now that Guerrero is off the table, bringing Alonso back on a long-term deal appears to be the Mets’ most logical move.
Francisco Lindor currently ranks 24th among active MLB players in career hits, just behind his former Cleveland Guardians teammate José Ramírez, who sits at 1,508. A four-time Silver Slugger Award recipient, Lindor has been among the league’s elite since his breakout years in Cleveland. Last season, he helped guide the New York Mets to the National League Championship Series, where they were ultimately eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Following a three-hit performance on Monday, Lindor boosted his season batting average to .250 as he aims to lead the Mets even deeper into the postseason this year.