A well-known MLB insider disclosed this week the key concession the New York Mets will likely need to make to keep Pete Alonso, alongside their remaining objectives for the offseason.

The past couple of months have been eventful for the Mets. As they entered the offseason, the front office faced a significant to-do list, including the need to fill three starting rotation spots. While they addressed that with several notable signings, they also made headlines by securing superstar Juan Soto from the New York Yankees with the largest contract in sports history.

Despite a highly productive offseason, one major issue still looms: Pete Alonso. Both the team and its fans want him back, but President David Stearns is hesitant to commit to a long-term deal for a 30-year-old first baseman, given the available data.

With the market for Alonso’s services weaker than anticipated, the Mets find themselves in a strong position to retain him on a more favorable deal. On Monday, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Mets “have plenty of leverage in any conversation,” thanks to their ability to replace Alonso this offseason. However, he predicts that the two sides will eventually reach a deal that both parties are conflicted about.

If Alonso agrees to a short-term deal—something he’s not keen on—Passan suggests it will likely be an “opt-out-laden” contract, which would allow the four-time All-Star to return to free agency if he has a standout season. This scenario presents both pros and cons for New York, but it would at least ensure their star slugger is back in the lineup for 2024.

Pete Alonso’s 2024 stats: .240 AVG, .329 OBP, .459 SLG, .788 OPS, 34 HR, 88 RBI, 91 R.