The New York Mets have defied expectations, continuing their remarkable postseason journey by eliminating the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series.
Now, the team eagerly awaits the winner of tonight’s Game 5 showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres for a shot at the National League pennant.
This unlikely run has been fueled by standout performances across the whole roster, with franchise stars Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso playing pivotal roles.
Both players have delivered in key moments, and with Alonso’s free agency looming at the end of the season, his performance could have a significant impact on his future.
Reflecting on how the postseason can influence contract negotiations, Lindor shared an insightful perspective.
“One of my favorite teammates, Mike Napoli, said: ‘You want to be famous? Do it in the postseason,'” Lindor told FOX Sports. “This is the time to do it. You want to get paid? Do it in the postseason.
“A lot of players have made crazy money because they perform in the postseason. I hope (Alonso) continues to do that… I hope he goes crazy and makes as much as he wants to make.”
Alonso, now 29, has faced questions about what kind of long-term deal he might secure after the season.
Truth be told, Alonso’s regular season was a tad disappointing as he posted a .240/.329/.459 slash line, with a slugging percentage lower than his career average of .514.
However, all of that disappointment was quickly washed away by one swing of the bat in the Wild Card Round against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Sure enough, Alonso’s bat has come alive in the playoffs. Through seven postseason games, he has blasted three home runs and driven in six runs, delivering in the clutch as the Mets keep their title hopes alive.
His timely hitting figures to play a crucial role in his upcoming contract talks, as Mets owner Steve Cohen may find himself in a position where he has no choice but to offer Alonso a deal to keep him in New York long-term.
While some fans grow frustrated with Alonso at times, the fact of the matter is he’s a home-grown talent and has been a model face of the franchise.
Alonso’s potential contract has been a topic of conversation since he reportedly turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension offer from the Mets in 2023.
Now, as he continues to prove his value during this improbable playoff run, Alonso could be in line for an even more lucrative deal as the Mets look toward their future.
Of course, contract talks are the farthest thing from Mets fans’ minds as they are solely focused on making a World Series run.
Regardless, Lindor’s words ring truer than ever: “You want to get paid? Do it in the postseason.”
To Lindor’s credit, he’s already been paid (10-years, $341 million) but he sure as hell hasn’t let that effect his hunger or work-ethic as he’s led an incredible MVP-worthy season.
There’s nothing worse than a player who gets paid an enormous contract, then proceeds to mail it in. I won’t name names (Anthony Rendon), but we all know who these guys are.
What are your thoughts on Alonso’s future? … Of course, the NLCS (and potentially the World Series) will have a whole lot to do with it. Having said that, do you think the Polar Bear will remain in Queens long-term?
As for this amazin’ magic carpet ride, are we actually staring down the barrel of yet another Subway World Series???