Alonso: Vlad's contract 'great for the 1st-base market'

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso believes Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s reported 14-year, $500-million contract extension changes the landscape for players at the position.

"This is huge for first basemen," Alonso said, according to Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic. "Half a billion dollars, it's a huge, huge amount. For him, it's a fantastic deal. It's great for the first-base market, I think. I mean, 14 years - he's a stud. Well deservedly so.

"Right now, you can't think of the Toronto Blue Jays without Vlad Jr. He's done some really amazing things in this league and for that team. Super well deserved."

Alonso, who returned to the Mets on a two-year, $54-million deal during the offseason, can test free agency again after this season due to a player option. The four-time All-Star reportedly rejected a seven-year, $158-million extension in June 2023.

The 30-year-old could be the top first baseman available if he builds on a great start to 2025, as he's slashing .314/.429/.657 with three homers and 11 RBIs over 10 games.

Alonso added that while he's not opposed to having contract talks during the season, his primary focus is helping New York on the field.

"Obviously, if something happens, then I am sure Scott (Boras) and Steve (Cohen) or David (Stearns) will talk about it, but my job is to focus and lock in on the season, and win," Alonso said.