Mets owner Steve Cohen compares Pete Alonso contract talks to Juan Soto's acquisition: 'This is worse'

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Here’s something New York Mets fans might not have seen coming this offseason: Pete Alonso's contract talks are "worse" than Juan Soto’s, according to owner Steven Cohen. 

During an appearance at the Mets’ Amazin’ Day Saturday afternoon at Citi Field, Cohen was on a panel with his general manager, David Stearns, and manager Carlos Mendoza, while legendary broadcaster Gary Cohen (no relation) moderated the group. 

Before questions could be asked, though, the Mets’ faithful in the crowd burst into a "We want Pete!" chant, referring to Alonso, the free agent first baseman who has been a Met his entire career. 

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New York Mets owner Steve Cohen speaks to the media before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field June 28, 2023, in New York City.  (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

"Hold that for the end, OK?" Cohen told the crowd, smiling. 

The Mets and Alonso have had negotiations, but have not reached a deal after they signed Soto to his $765 million deal. New York has landed other players in free agency, but Alonso remains one of the top players on the market. 

Alonso was the team’s second-round pick out of the Florida Gators’ program in 2016, and he’s spent his first six seasons hitting home runs (226), including a rookie record 53 that aided his Rookie of the Year resume in 2019. He's also made four All-Star teams, including each of the last three, and has a career .854 OPS. 

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