In a late-night development, the New York Mets reportedly sealed a one-year contract worth a significant $20.5 million with Alonso, ensuring his presence in the roster. As the arbitration deadline loomed large, the Mets embarked on a determined journey to negotiate deals with their seven remaining arbitration-eligible players.
Among the Mets’ achievements, they successfully reached an agreement with pitcher David Peterson, who found himself in his maiden arbitration year. In 2023, he posted a record of 3-8 with an ERA of 5.03, impressively striking out 128 while operating in the starting rotation. Despite an impending absence from the 2024 season due to hip surgery, Peterson secured a contract valued at $2.15 million, as per MLB.com. Given the Mets’ recent roster adjustments, Peterson might face a competitive battle to regain his spot once he is back to full health.
Tyrone Taylor, an outfielder and one of the two players acquired by the Mets earlier in the offseason from the Milwaukee Brewers, reportedly clinched a deal worth $2.025 million in his debut arbitration year. Joey Lucchesi, another pitcher within the Mets’ ranks, solidified his position with a contract valued at $1.65 million, as reported by the New York Post. Lucchesi, also in his initial arbitration year, had a late-season opportunity in the rotation in 2023, delivering impressive results with a 4-0 record and an ERA of 2.89 in nine starts.
Drew Smith secured a contract worth $2.225 million, according to MLB.com. Adrian Houser also reached an agreement, sealing a deal for $5.05 million, as reported by SNY.
After the arbitration deadline, one player, Phil Bickford, remained without a reported deal.
The Mets initiated the season with a total of 16 arbitration-eligible players. Under the leadership of the new president of baseball operations, David Stearns, most of them were released last year. D.J. Stewart was the sole player who struck a deal with the Mets before Thursday, securing a contract worth $1.38 million.
For those players who have yet to reach agreements, they must exchange arbitration numbers with the Mets on Thursday night. Nevertheless, there remains room for mutual consensus before the arbitration hearings commence.