Cohen doesn't like what's been presented to Mets in Alonso talks

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen admitted to being frustrated by the ongoing contract negotiations with free-agent slugger and longtime Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.

"I'm being brutally honest. I don't like the negotiations. I don't like what's been presented to us," Cohen told fans Saturday during an appearance at the Mets' Amazin' Day, per SNY. "And you know, listen, maybe that changes, and certainly I'll always stay flexible. If it stays this way, I think we're gonna have to get used to the fact that we may have to go forward with the existing players that we have."

The Mets have had a busy winter, highlighted by Cohen luring superstar Juan Soto on a 15-year, $765-million contract. Yet, Alonso has continued to linger on the open market. Before giving his answer Saturday, fans in attendance for Cohen's appearance chanted "We want Pete!" in hopes of convincing the owner to get a deal done.

The back-and-forth talks between Cohen and Alonso's agent, Scott Boras - who also negotiated Soto's megadeal - appeared to have reached a stalemate earlier in January. Alonso's camp reportedly approached the Mets about a three-year deal featuring multiple opt-outs. However, the team's apparent proposal of three years and between $68 million and $70 million was rejected, leading the Mets to assume he'll sign elsewhere.

Cohen called the negotiations "exhausting" and characterized them as being "worse" than the Soto talks. Although he didn't mention Boras by name, he was openly critical of the agent's proposals. He didn't reveal details of the team's offer, only describing it as "significant."

"I don't like the structures that are being presented back to us. I think it's highly asymmetric against us, and I feel strongly about it," he said. "And so, I will never say no - there's always the possibility. ... 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."

Boras disagreed with Cohen's stance on the contract discussions.

"Pete's free-agent contract structure request are identical to the standards and practices of other clubs who have signed similarly situated qualifying-offer/All-Star-level players," Boras said, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. "Nothing different. Just established fairness standards."

If Alonso does leave, the Mets appear ready to fill his position internally. Third basemen Mark Vientos and Brett Baty revealed Saturday they've begun working out at first base to prepare for a potential position switch, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

At least three teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, have reportedly been in contact with the four-time All-Star since the Mets negotiations stalled. Alonso's talks with Toronto were said to have advanced in recent days, although not to the point where a deal is imminent.

The Mets' projected Opening Day payroll of $297 million ranks second in the majors, per FanGraphs.

Alonso's 226 home runs rank third in Mets history.