My 2025-26 offseason

[An Old Friend]

You’ve come at me quite a few times when I’ve described these contracts that way, so it’s interesting that you’re now explaining it the same way I have.

No. We have disagreed on the differences in terminology between “opt in”, player options and opt outs.

Right, and you’ve characterized his decision the same way I always have above… but disputed those semantics many times. Here’s how the deal was announced:

The New York Mets today announced the team has re-signed first baseman Pete Alonso to a two-year contract with a player opt out after the 2025 season.

I wasn’t sure if it was a 2-year deal w/ an opt out or a 1-year deal with a second year player option. BBRef refers to it as a player option… incorrectly.

They two scenarios above are not the same. One requires action to exit the contract, the other requires action to extend the contract. I know you want to ignore the distinction… that’s fine, but it’s wrong.

It’s essentially a one-year $30 million deal with Alonso’s option to return to the Mets in 2026 for $24 million or hit the market again.

Guess Verducci has it wrong, too, huh?

Note he used the word “essentially” - meaning it is NOT the same thing, but he is explaining it in a more accessible way.

The same thing you’ve criticized me for.

They’re the same. I don’t know why you fight it

Because fundamentally they are not the same. This is like arguing with a music theory student who insists B flat and C sharp are the same note.

Ok…

So, in the “opt-out” scenario, Pete Alonso gets $30MM guaranteed for year 1 and $24MM in year 2 if he chooses to stay.

In the “player option” scenario, Pete Alonso gets $30MM guaranteed for year 1 and $24MM in year 2 if he chooses to stay.

What’s the difference? I’m genuinely curious as to why you think they’re different, and what is different about them.

The language of the contracts is different, as are the total values.

NO action is required from Alonso for a second year if it’s a 2-year deal with an opt out clause.

If it is a 1-year deal with a 1-year player option, Alonso would have to exercise that option for a second year.

You’re being funny about this.

Alonso has a choice in either scenario and that same choice allows him to leave or stay. It’s the same choice.

Doesn’t matter. The contracts are not the same.

But they are.

2 year $54MM contract with $30MM guaranteed in year 1 with an opt out. 2nd year salary is $24MM

Or…

1 year contract with $30MM guaranteed with a player option worth $24MM in year 2 for a total contract value of $54MM

Those are the same.

And it’s been reported both ways… because there’s no difference.

[Quincy Varnish]

You’re being funny about this.

Alonso has a choice in either scenario and that same choice allows him to leave or stay. It’s the same choice.

Doesn’t matter. The contracts are not the same.

But they are.

2 year $54MM contract with $30MM guaranteed in year 1 with an opt out. 2nd year salary is $24MM

Or…

1 year contract with $30MM guaranteed with a player option worth $24MM in year 2 for a total contract value of $54MM

Those are the same.

And it’s been reported both ways… because there’s no difference.

Wrong. There are fundamental differences between the contracts. You’re never going to get it.

[An Old Friend]

You’re being funny about this.

Alonso has a choice in either scenario and that same choice allows him to leave or stay. It’s the same choice.

Doesn’t matter. The contracts are not the same.

But they are.

2 year $54MM contract with $30MM guaranteed in year 1 with an opt out. 2nd year salary is $24MM

Or…

1 year contract with $30MM guaranteed with a player option worth $24MM in year 2 for a total contract value of $54MM

Those are the same.

And it’s been reported both ways… because there’s no difference.

Wrong. There are fundamental differences between the contracts. You’re never going to get it.

There’s no difference. In either contract, he’s either playing 1 year and getting paid $30MM, or 2 years and getting $54MM…

If there were differences, you would have described them in detail by now… but you realize they’re the same.

[Quincy Varnish]

You’re being funny about this.

Alonso has a choice in either scenario and that same choice allows him to leave or stay. It’s the same choice.

Doesn’t matter. The contracts are not the same.

But they are.

2 year $54MM contract with $30MM guaranteed in year 1 with an opt out. 2nd year salary is $24MM

Or…

1 year contract with $30MM guaranteed with a player option worth $24MM in year 2 for a total contract value of $54MM

Those are the same.

And it’s been reported both ways… because there’s no difference.

Wrong. There are fundamental differences between the contracts. You’re never going to get it.

There’s no difference. In either contract, he’s either playing 1 year and getting paid $30MM, or 2 years and getting $54MM…

If there were differences, you would have described them in detail by now… but you realize they’re the same.

I described the differences early in this dialogue. You are too determined that you’re right to change any part of your thinking, so this is pointless. They are not the same, and incessantly saying the wrong thing doesn’t make it right. Someday someone will explain it to you in a way you’ll understand, but I do not have the patience.

[An Old Friend]

You’re being funny about this.

Alonso has a choice in either scenario and that same choice allows him to leave or stay. It’s the same choice.

Doesn’t matter. The contracts are not the same.

But they are.

2 year $54MM contract with $30MM guaranteed in year 1 with an opt out. 2nd year salary is $24MM

Or…

1 year contract with $30MM guaranteed with a player option worth $24MM in year 2 for a total contract value of $54MM

Those are the same.

And it’s been reported both ways… because there’s no difference.

Wrong. There are fundamental differences between the contracts. You’re never going to get it.

There’s no difference. In either contract, he’s either playing 1 year and getting paid $30MM, or 2 years and getting $54MM…

If there were differences, you would have described them in detail by now… but you realize they’re the same.

I described the differences early in this dialogue. You are too determined that you’re right to change any part of your thinking, so this is pointless. They are not the same, and incessantly saying the wrong thing doesn’t make it right. Someday someone will explain it to you in a way you’ll understand, but I do not have the patience.

You said exactly what I said:

One requires action to exit the contract, the other requires action to extend the contract.

Both give the player the SAME ultimate option / choice. You can argue until you’re blue in the face that they’re different, but as I’ve clearly demonstrated, the deal is the same for Alonso either way.

I don’t know why that’s so hard for you to acknowledge.

We both seem to assume that he’s going to be a free agent this year and will have made $30MM for one year. We both assume that he’s going to be a free agent by his own choosing rather than playing an additional year for $24MM, as is his option.

And we both know that he COULD choose to play the 2nd year for $24MM.

Alonso has ONE choice to make because the outcome is the same.

Why is it hard for you to agree?

[Quincy Varnish]

You’re being funny about this.

Alonso has a choice in either scenario and that same choice allows him to leave or stay. It’s the same choice.

Doesn’t matter. The contracts are not the same.

But they are.

2 year $54MM contract with $30MM guaranteed in year 1 with an opt out. 2nd year salary is $24MM

Or…

1 year contract with $30MM guaranteed with a player option worth $24MM in year 2 for a total contract value of $54MM

Those are the same.

And it’s been reported both ways… because there’s no difference.

Wrong. There are fundamental differences between the contracts. You’re never going to get it.

There’s no difference. In either contract, he’s either playing 1 year and getting paid $30MM, or 2 years and getting $54MM…

If there were differences, you would have described them in detail by now… but you realize they’re the same.

I described the differences early in this dialogue. You are too determined that you’re right to change any part of your thinking, so this is pointless. They are not the same, and incessantly saying the wrong thing doesn’t make it right. Someday someone will explain it to you in a way you’ll understand, but I do not have the patience.

You said exactly what I said:

One requires action to exit the contract, the other requires action to extend the contract.

Both give the player the SAME ultimate option / choice. You can argue until you’re blue in the face that they’re different, but as I’ve clearly demonstrated, the deal is the same for Alonso either way.

I don’t know why that’s so hard for you to acknowledge.

We both seem to assume that he’s going to be a free agent this year and will have made $30MM for one year. We both assume that he’s going to be a free agent by his own choosing rather than playing an additional year for $24MM, as is his option.

And we both know that he COULD choose to play the 2nd year for $24MM.

Alonso has ONE choice to make because the outcome is the same.

Why is it hard for you to agree?

I’m talking about the contract. You’re talking about the players decision making and outcomes. The contracts we are discussing would be different. The procedure is different. The total value and AAV are both different. In other words - not the same.

It’s difficult for me to agree with something that’s wrong, because I find wrong things generally disagreeable.

But it seems like you need someone to an agree with you… so I agree. You’re completely and entirely correct, and I have no idea what I was thinking.

[An Old Friend]

I’m talking about the contract. You’re talking about the players decision making and outcomes. The contracts we are discussing would be different. The procedure is different. The total value and AAV are both different. In other words - not the same.

Why do you think the total value is different? It’s not. He’s guaranteed $30MM and could be a total of $54MM in either scenario. That’s the same.

That’s all I’ve been saying, it doesn’t matter if it’s an “opt out” or “player option”… the outcome is the same. It’s a 1 year commitment for Alonso that he can extend to 2 if he so chooses.

[Quincy Varnish]

I’m talking about the contract. You’re talking about the players decision making and outcomes. The contracts we are discussing would be different. The procedure is different. The total value and AAV are both different. In other words - not the same.

Why do you think the total value is different? It’s not. He’s guaranteed $30MM and could be a total of $54MM in either scenario. That’s the same.

Wrong. TV does not include option years. Also, option years are calculated differently when assessing CBT - it is a preferable scenario for the Mets to have his contract at 2 years, rather than one year with an option at the same amounts.

That’s all I’ve been saying, it doesn’t matter if it’s an “opt out” or “player option”… the outcome is the same. It’s a 1 year commitment for Alonso that he can extend to 2 if he so chooses.

Neat. I’m referring to the contract, not the outcomes.

[An Old Friend]

I’m talking about the contract. You’re talking about the players decision making and outcomes. The contracts we are discussing would be different. The procedure is different. The total value and AAV are both different. In other words - not the same.

Why do you think the total value is different? It’s not. He’s guaranteed $30MM and could be a total of $54MM in either scenario. That’s the same.

Wrong. TV does not include option years. Also, option years are calculated differently when assessing CBT - it is a preferable scenario for the Mets to have his contract at 2 years, rather than one year with an option at the same amounts.

That’s all I’ve been saying, it doesn’t matter if it’s an “opt out” or “player option”… the outcome is the same. It’s a 1 year commitment for Alonso that he can extend to 2 if he so chooses.

Neat. I’m referring to the contract, not the outcomes.

So am I. The contract either way is a 1 year commitment from Alonso with the option to extend it to 2. You know and realize this.

[Quincy Varnish]

I’m talking about the contract. You’re talking about the players decision making and outcomes. The contracts we are discussing would be different. The procedure is different. The total value and AAV are both different. In other words - not the same.

Why do you think the total value is different? It’s not. He’s guaranteed $30MM and could be a total of $54MM in either scenario. That’s the same.

Wrong. TV does not include option years. Also, option years are calculated differently when assessing CBT - it is a preferable scenario for the Mets to have his contract at 2 years, rather than one year with an option at the same amounts.

That’s all I’ve been saying, it doesn’t matter if it’s an “opt out” or “player option”… the outcome is the same. It’s a 1 year commitment for Alonso that he can extend to 2 if he so chooses.

Neat. I’m referring to the contract, not the outcomes.

So am I. The contract either way is a 1 year commitment from Alonso with the option to extend it to 2. You know and realize this.

These are not the droids you are looking for.

Please stop making false claims about what I “realize”. A 2-year contract with an opt out is simply not the same as a 1-year contract with a player option. The contracts are written differently, the action required of the player is different, and so are the CBT calculations. Not. The. Same.

[An Old Friend]

I’m talking about the contract. You’re talking about the players decision making and outcomes. The contracts we are discussing would be different. The procedure is different. The total value and AAV are both different. In other words - not the same.

Why do you think the total value is different? It’s not. He’s guaranteed $30MM and could be a total of $54MM in either scenario. That’s the same.

Wrong. TV does not include option years. Also, option years are calculated differently when assessing CBT - it is a preferable scenario for the Mets to have his contract at 2 years, rather than one year with an option at the same amounts.

That’s all I’ve been saying, it doesn’t matter if it’s an “opt out” or “player option”… the outcome is the same. It’s a 1 year commitment for Alonso that he can extend to 2 if he so chooses.

Neat. I’m referring to the contract, not the outcomes.

So am I. The contract either way is a 1 year commitment from Alonso with the option to extend it to 2. You know and realize this.

These are not the droids you are looking for.

Please stop making false claims about what I “realize”. A 2-year contract with an opt out is simply not the same as a 1-year contract with a player option. The contracts are written differently, the action required of the player is different, and so are the CBT calculations. Not. The. Same.

How long is Pete Alonso committed to the Mets for, 1 year or 2? Is he committed to play for them in 2026?

[Quincy Varnish]

I’m talking about the contract. You’re talking about the players decision making and outcomes. The contracts we are discussing would be different. The procedure is different. The total value and AAV are both different. In other words - not the same.

Why do you think the total value is different? It’s not. He’s guaranteed $30MM and could be a total of $54MM in either scenario. That’s the same.

Wrong. TV does not include option years. Also, option years are calculated differently when assessing CBT - it is a preferable scenario for the Mets to have his contract at 2 years, rather than one year with an option at the same amounts.

That’s all I’ve been saying, it doesn’t matter if it’s an “opt out” or “player option”… the outcome is the same. It’s a 1 year commitment for Alonso that he can extend to 2 if he so chooses.

Neat. I’m referring to the contract, not the outcomes.

So am I. The contract either way is a 1 year commitment from Alonso with the option to extend it to 2. You know and realize this.

These are not the droids you are looking for.

Please stop making false claims about what I “realize”. A 2-year contract with an opt out is simply not the same as a 1-year contract with a player option. The contracts are written differently, the action required of the player is different, and so are the CBT calculations. Not. The. Same.

How long is Pete Alonso committed to the Mets for, 1 year or 2? Is he committed to play for them in 2026?

47 years. Rutabaga.

[An Old Friend]

I’m talking about the contract. You’re talking about the players decision making and outcomes. The contracts we are discussing would be different. The procedure is different. The total value and AAV are both different. In other words - not the same.

Why do you think the total value is different? It’s not. He’s guaranteed $30MM and could be a total of $54MM in either scenario. That’s the same.

Wrong. TV does not include option years. Also, option years are calculated differently when assessing CBT - it is a preferable scenario for the Mets to have his contract at 2 years, rather than one year with an option at the same amounts.

That’s all I’ve been saying, it doesn’t matter if it’s an “opt out” or “player option”… the outcome is the same. It’s a 1 year commitment for Alonso that he can extend to 2 if he so chooses.

Neat. I’m referring to the contract, not the outcomes.

So am I. The contract either way is a 1 year commitment from Alonso with the option to extend it to 2. You know and realize this.

These are not the droids you are looking for.

Please stop making false claims about what I “realize”. A 2-year contract with an opt out is simply not the same as a 1-year contract with a player option. The contracts are written differently, the action required of the player is different, and so are the CBT calculations. Not. The. Same.

How long is Pete Alonso committed to the Mets for, 1 year or 2? Is he committed to play for them in 2026?

47 years. Rutabaga.

Ok, so we agree that it is 1.

And that to play for the Mets in 2026, it would take Pete Alonso making a decision to do so, agree?

[IndCard75]

If I’m the GM I’m trying to trade Arenado now. He’s only going to go to a contender and or the west coast. Only team I see that could use a 3B that is a contender is the Yankees. They could also use pitching. So Arenado plus soon to be FA pitching to the Yankees for best prospect we can get.

Second move I make is Nootbar to Miami for Alcantara.

I’m not signing Alonso because we already have 1B. After WC is gone I’m moving Herrera to 1B.

I don’t want Flaherty or Bader.

By end of 2026

Donovan LF
Winn SS
Herrera DH Burly
WC 1B Burly
Gorman 3B
Walker RF Burly
Whetherholt 2B
Pages C Herrera
Scott CF

[Quincy Varnish]

47 years. Rutabaga.

Ok, so we agree that it is 1.

And that to play for the Mets in 2026, it would take Pete Alonso making a decision to do so, agree?

[renostl]

If I’m the GM I’m trying to trade Arenado now. He’s only going to go to a contender and or the west coast. Only team I see that could use a 3B that is a contender is the Yankees. They could also use pitching. So Arenado plus soon to be FA pitching to the Yankees for best prospect we can get.

Second move I make is Nootbar to Miami for Alcantara.

I’m not signing Alonso because we already have 1B. After WC is gone I’m moving Herrera to 1B.

I don’t want Flaherty or Bader.

By end of 2026

Donovan LF
Winn SS
Herrera DH Burly
WC 1B Burly
Gorman 3B
Walker RF Burly
Whetherholt 2B
Pages C Herrera
Scott CF

Which is partially the issue.
The names that are repeated either lack SLG% or give
way a large amount of playing time to an lower upside player.

Pages is a backup. Either Herrera makes him one or a catcher with more game makes him one. Burleson the same issue. He is too close to getting starters time secondary to there not being a higher upside players.
allowing it. Starters in the outfield keep him out of there.
Position player wise there's few absolutes for 2026, IMO. 1 or 2 fan favorites may be moved. Donovan in LF
does support kicking the can down the road a bit but is it best for the Cardinals to keep attaching the teams upside to all of Gorman, Walker, JJ, Scott, Pages being productive in the same season.
And JJ will get a long ride when he arrives as will the contracts will play if the are still here.