Teoscar Hernandez's new contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers set a benchmark for righty corner bats in this free agent market, and it's not one that Pete Alonso is going to like as he attempts to wait out the New York Mets.

Earlier in the offseason, CBS Sports ranked Burnes as the No. 2 free agent in the 2024-25 class. The former Cy Young winner is coming off yet another ace-quality season in 2024, this one as a member of the Orioles .

Meanwhile, the New York Mets have remained at a stalemate with first baseman Pete Alonso. Alonso has spent his entire career with the Mets, who drafted him in 2016. The four-time All-Star and 2019 NL Rookie of the Year has become a fan favorite — and for good reason.

The New York Mets and free-agent slugger Pete Alonso are reportedly far apart in negotiations regarding a return to the team. According to Jon Heyman of

Good for the Mets and Sean Manaea to agree at $75M over three. He’d turned down the $67M from the A’s that went to his friend Luis Severino. Manaea’s market was otherwise limited due to the qualifying offer/draft choice, which is valued between $5M and $20M depending on he team.

Alonso's production would be valuable behind Soto, but contract length could be the sticking point of a new deal.

With their competition for first base satisfying their needs through signings and trades this offseason, the Mets remain the clearest team with a hole. The likely answer, then is that, yes, the Mets want Alonso — at their price, and they’re willing to wait around to make it happen.

If the New York Mets miss out on star slugger Pete Alonso, they're going to pivot to a backup plan that likely involves St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado.