Talks between the Mets and s agents at the Boras Corporation seemingly hit an impa se last week, as reports emerged that the Mets Alonso to sign elsewhere after the two sides each the others three-year contract offer. Team owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations Keita Bates-Diop Jersey David Stearns each addre sed the situation at the Amazin Day fan event this weekend at Citi Field, with Cohen reinforcing the idea that the door isnt closed on an Alonso reunion, but the chances of an agreement appear diminished. We made a significant offer to Pete , Cohen told fans and media, including . However, the owner doesnt like the structures that are being presented back to us. I think its highly asymmetric against us, and I feel strongly about it. I will never say no, you know, theres always the po sibility [of an agreement]. But the reality is were moving forward, and 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 thats where we are, and I am being brutally honest. I dont like the negotiations. I dont like whats been presented to us. Listen, maybe that changes, and certainly, Ill always stay flexible. If it stays this way, I think we are going to have to get used to the fact that we may have to go forward with the existing players that we have . The exact specifics of Scott Boras offers to the Mets arent known, though the concept floated was a three-year contract with at least one opt-out clause, which would allow Alonso to test free agency again likely as early as next offseason. The structure is similar to the deals signed by other Boras clients like , , , and last winter, which saw the players each receive a high average annual value within the framework of those shorter-term contracts. Reports indicated that the Mets countered the Alonso camps offer with a three-year deal (presumably still with opt-outs) worth $68-$70MM, which wouldve given Alonso a rough AAV of $23MM. Alonso and his reps rejected that offer and Sammon writes that the Mets then pulled the offer away entirely, leading to the current stalemate between the two sides. According to Sammon, its unknown if the Mets and Alonso have since re-engaged. So whether the door is open under similar or different parameters remains a question. While some gamesmanship could certainly have been at play in Cohens comments today, the Mets owner didnt mince words in saying p ersonally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation , Cohen felt that the talks with Alonso were worse than even the tough negotiations with that ended in Sotos record $765MM contract. Ironically, both Soto and Alonso are represented by Boras, though obviously the markets for both sluggers varied greatly. Even before the offseason began, there was some sense that Alonso (as a power-centric first baseman with slightly declining numbers over the last two seasons) might have to settle for a shorter-term deal with opt outs, so the fact that the talks with the Mets have focused on such contracts isnt much of a surprise. What isnt clear, however, is whether Alonso has other suitors willing to offer more years, or at least higher average annual salaries. The Giants, Angels, Red Sox, and Blue Jays have all reportedly shown some interest in Alonso, with Toronto seemingly making for the first baseman. In terms of how the Mets might be looking beyond Alonso, was re-signed last week, filling another hole on the position-player side. wrote yesterday that the Mets asked both and to start working out at first base, with Baty also getting some reps as a second baseman. Vientos has some experience at first base already, and he was already locked into a regular spot in New Yorks 2025 lineup whether as a third baseman (if Alonso re-signed) or at first (if Alonso left and another first base-only type wasnt obtained). Baty has played almost exclusively at third base during his 169-game MLB career and in the minors, while spending some time at second base and in left field in the minors. He has never played first base at the profe sional level, with Baty telling Sammon that he last played the position when he was a high school sophomore. Neverthele s, Baty views the challenge as really fun.Ive always prided myself on being as athletic as I can be. And I think athleticism, you can show it off at any position whether it be first base, second base, third base, the outfield, whatever it is . With a .215/.282/.325 slash line over 602 plate appearances at the MLB level, Baty has yet to establish himself over parts of three seasons in the Show, so adding positional flexibility is at least a good way for the former top prospect to help his chances of making the roster. Between Baty, , and , the Mets could let those youngsters compete for playing time at third base, ideally with one stepping up to take on the regular starting job. If none are ready for prime time, the Mets could pursue a corner infielder of some type at the trade deadline, with Vientos perhaps shifting from first to third base depending on who New York might obtain. Torrey Craig Jersey