Mets Notes Alonso Vogelbach Ottavin

The future of Mets first baseman has been a focus of speculation in recent months, given that the club discu sed a trade with both the Brewers and Cubs ahead of this years trade deadline. Of course, indicated that the Mets didnt plan to actively shop Alonso this offseason, while new president of baseball operations David Stearns himself threw some cold water on the rumors by that he expects Alonso to be the clubs starting first baseman on Opening Day 2024. A new wrinkle has emerged regarding Alonsos future plans, as reported this morning that Alonso has changed representation ahead of Josh Rogers Jersey his final offseason under club control, moving from Apex Baseball to Boras Corporation, the agency run by high-profile agent Scott Boras. The change in representation seems to le sen the odds of the Mets and Alonso coming to an agreement on a contract extension before he hits free agency next offseason, as its been relatively rare for high-profile Boras clients to sign extensions the offseason before hitting free agency. The deal between right-hander and the Astros prior to the 2021 season and the pact between the Red Sox and shortstop back in 2019 show that proclivity is hardly universal. Whats more, Heyman notes the recent succe s the Mets have had in working with Boras, as the sides agreed to $100MM+ deals for veteran ace and center fielder in free agency the past two offseasons. Nimmos case is worth particular consideration, as the former 13th-overall pick made it to free agency last offseason after spending his whole career with the Mets, much as Alonso has, before ultimately re-signing with the club. More from Queens On the heels of manager Buck Showalters recent departure, discu ses a major point of contention between Showalter and the front office over the summer: playing time for slugger . Showalter reportedly wanted to explore other options at DH against right-handed pitching early in the season, including cycling regulars through the position to get them a partial day off, thanks to Vogelbachs lack of power production: he slashed just .219/.364/.314 over his first 43 games. Showalter met resistance from GM Billy Eppler regarding that desire, however, with Eppler insisting on Vogelbach remaining in the lineup. Vogelbach, 30, is headed into his final season of arbitration eligibility in 2024. Though right-hander that he intends to return to the Mets next year by exercising his $6.75MM player option for the 2024 campaign, the 37-year-old veteran recently spoke with le s certainty regarding his impending option decision, telling reporters ( ) that while he likes the Mets, he wants to see how things shake out in the early offseason before coming to a decision. Ottavino posted a solid season for the club, with a 3.21 ERA and 4.52 FIP in 66 appearances, though that performance was a considerable step back from the 2.06 ERA and 2.85 FIp he posted in 2022. Anthony Molina Jersey