MLB insider delivers brutal Mets update on Pete Alonso’s free agency after nightmare collapse originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets are coming off a season that ended in pure disappointment after being the best team in MLB two months into the year. However, everything went downhill after that. Throughout the season, it was unclear whether franchise leader Pete Alonso would return once the year was over.

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“But again, we’ll see what happens. I love it, it’s great, but you can’t really predict anything. And for me… I am focused on trying to put this thing across the finish line. “I haven’t really thought about the free agent thing until we’re talking about it right now,” Alonso said. “It would be great to stay. But, again, whatever happens, happens. I can’t get a crystal ball. I wish I could, but we’ll see.”

At the conclusion of the season, he announced his intention to opt out of his contract.

“Moments after the Mets’ season came to an abrupt end on Sunday afternoon, Pete Alonso had hardly taken off his uniform when he made it clear that he plans to test the free-agent market for a second straight winter,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand wrote. “Alonso said he will opt out of the final year and $24 million of the two-year, $54 million contract he signed in February.”

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MLB insider Jon Morosi reported on Sunday that it doesn’t appear the Mets have a strong chance of bringing Alonso back based on what he has been hearing.

“There is a better than 50/50 chance Pete Alonso is NOT a New York Met on Opening Day,” Morosi said from the winter meetings.

The Mets have already traded Brandon Nimmo, who was a major part of their core, and Jeff McNeil is likely next. With all of this in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising for Alonso to walk. However, this may stem from Alonso simply wanting a fresh start.

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There have been reports suggesting that the vibes in the clubhouse have been slightly off, so perhaps Alonso just wants out. There are still plenty of things to monitor as the winter meetings continue, but the Mets don’t seem to be in a good position for an Alonso reunion.

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