Nearly two weeks ago, the Mets pivoted toward a future that they believed would likely not include Pete Alonso.
As of Wednesday, that essential dynamic had not yet changed, despite brief recent conversations between the camps.
But could it? And if so, how?
In order to sign Alonso now, the Mets would have to make the difficult decision to increase payroll — and competitive balance tax penalties — far beyond what they had planned.
No one has described the state of play more accurately and concisely than owner Steve Cohen at the team’s Amazin’ Day at Citi Field on Saturday.
“I will never say no,” Cohen said about Alonso returning. “There’s always the possibility. But the reality is we’re moving forward, and we continue to bring in players. As we continue to bring in players, the reality is it becomes harder to fit Pete into what is a very expensive group of players that we already have. And that’s where we are.”
Roughly two weeks ago, Alonso turned down a deal that would have paid him more than $70 million, including deferred money. The Mets interpreted that as a sign that Alonso would sign elsewhere.
The team pivoted almost immediately, agreeing to terms with outfielder/DH Jesse Winker and reliever A.J. Minter. Factoring in budgeting for the injured list, that took the team’s projected payroll into the low $300 million range, league sources say.
Add to that the standard in-season and trade deadline budgeting of $10-15 million, and the Mets already have to allow for approximately $310-320 million — and that is without Alonso and the utility infielder they are seeking.
It is not Cohen’s style to present president of baseball operations David Stearns with a firm payroll budget, but the two are in agreement that it is unwise to venture too far past the top luxury tax threshold, which is set this year at $301 million. Every dollar spent over that line is taxed at 110 percent. The team does not want to be wildly over that mark on an annual basis.
The Mets on Wednesday agreed to terms with reliever Ryne Stanek on a one-year deal worth between $4-5 million, pending a physical. They had been talking to more expensive relievers like Kenley Jansen, too; the deal with Stanek could…