Mets' Lindor - 'Be different' if Pete Alonso signs elsewhere - ESPN

NEW YORK — The Mets held their first winter event for fans in five years at Citi Field on Saturday, and there was one notable absence.

Pete Alonso wasn't in attendance because, for the first time since the 2016 draft, he isn't a member of the Mets organization. The homegrown star first baseman remains a free agent. Although a reunion remains possible, he might have played his last game as a Met.

«Pete's been here since I've been here,» said Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has starred for the franchise since 2021. «He was here before me. So, yeah, it would be different if he goes somewhere else. Yeah, it would be different. But I think he should take his time. I think he should make the best decision for himself and not feel that he's rushed.»

Alonso, along with third baseman Alex Bregman, is one of the two best position players left on the free agent market. Alonso, who is represented by Scott Boras, originally sought a long-term deal, but he is open to returning to the Mets on a three-year contract with opt-outs, according to a source. The Mets have been open to such a deal. The obstacle has been money.

«I would love to see Pete back with us, but I also understand that I don't make those decisions,» Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo said. «And that's between Pete and our front office and David [Stearns] and Steve [Cohen]. And from what I understand, there's been a lot of talks between them. I'm still hopeful that we'll sign him.»

Nimmo, who is also represented by Boras, signed an eight-year, $162 million contract to remain with the Mets two offseasons ago. He is the longest-tenured player on the roster, having debuted in 2016.

«I don't think they're trying to rush the process,» Nimmo said. «When you get to free agency,