The New York Mets wasted no time getting started. Per Dan Bartels of the New York Post, the team has sent out initial contract offers kicking off what will likely be their two biggest negotiations of the winter.
It’s only the opening move, but it signals that the Mets want to retain their two cornerstone stars and get ahead of the offseason rush before the winter meetings arrive.
Mets start the offseason by prioritizing stability
The Mets understand exactly what Alonso and Díaz represent. Alonso remains one of baseball’s premier power bats and the centerpiece of New York’s lineup, while Díaz is coming off one of the most dominant seasons by any closer. If competing in 2026 is the goal, letting either star walk would contradict everything president David Stearns has been building.
By making early offers, the team is trying to establish order and set the foundation for long-term stability — starting with their most important players.
Why Pete Alonso remains a must-sign
Alonso brings far more than home runs. He’s the emotional heartbeat of the club, a fan favorite, and one of the league’s most reliable run producers.
He delivered another strong 2025 season, continuing to hit for power and drive in runs even while the offense struggled at times. The Mets may be hesitant about a massive deal, but elite first-base power is costly, and replacing Alonso would be even more expensive.
He finished with a .272/.327/.524 line, 38 home runs, and 126 RBIs — some of the best production on the roster.
If the Mets want to contend immediately, expecting anyone else to match that output is a gamble. Extending Alonso fits their stated priorities.
Edwin Díaz has all the leverage
Díaz opting out wasn’t shocking after the season he delivered. He returned to top-tier form in 2025, overwhelming hitters with explosive stuff and re-establishing himself as one of the sport’s premier closers. His dominance wasn’t the reason the Mets missed the postseason — if anything, he kept them alive during tough stretches.
He posted a 1.63 ERA across 66.1 innings, truly elite numbers.
With reports suggesting he could command a four-year, $80 million deal, the price reflects both his caliber and the state of the bullpen market. Contenders like the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Yankees could all get involved, but the Mets simply can’t afford to lose him and scramble for a replacement.
Díaz offers rare stability at one of baseball’s most unpredictable roles — something not easily or cheaply replaced.
The Mets are trying to get ahead of a busy market
By making first offers early, the Mets are giving themselves a head start. Alonso will attract several teams needing power, and Díaz is the best closer available in a market where contenders crave late-inning help. Waiting too long could create bidding wars the Mets hope to avoid.
Stearns has payroll flexibility, and securing Alonso and Díaz early would allow him to focus on other needs such as rotation upgrades, third-base depth, and potential trades.
A proactive step, but the heavy lifting comes next
These early proposals rarely finalize deals for stars of this magnitude. But the message is unmistakable: the Mets want their franchise anchors back and want negotiations settled before the chaos of the winter meetings.
Whether these first steps lead to long-term agreements is still uncertain, but one thing is clear — if the Mets expect to compete in 2026 and beyond, keeping Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz isn’t optional. It’s essential.