Emotional Mets face reality of free agency after NLCS loss

LOS ANGELES – The New York Mets clubhouse was filled with emotion following their Game 6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS on Sunday night.

The hugs between teammates came after a valiant postseason run that ended two wins shy of the World Series. But emotions were also running high because the team has about a dozen pending free agents, making it almost certain the Mets won’t return with the same roster next season.

Their top starting players will all leave in free agency, as will first baseman Pete Alonso. His six-year run in New York included 226 regular-season home runs – third in franchise history – as well as several long balls this postseason that only increased his popularity among Mets fans.

Alonso suppressed his own emotions as he spoke about the team while being asked about his future.

“I’m really proud of what I was able to achieve here,” said Alonso after the 10-5 defeat. “I laid it out every day. I played my heart out every day… I just think about the group. We’ll cross that (free agent) bridge when we get there. I love this team. I love.” New York. I love playing in Queens.

Alonso played in every Mets game this year and hit 34 home runs – a career low – although his 31 doubles were a career high. Overall, his 123 OPS-plus was exactly the same as in 2023, when he hit 46 home runs. He’s in line for a deal worth $100 million or more, assuming he wants a long-term contract.

“I haven’t thought about anything so far,” said Alonso. “I’m just a bit shocked that the season is over. Once you get into the postseason, you don’t really think it’s ever going to end.”

That sentiment echoed throughout the locker room as the players said goodbye to each other for the winter — and perhaps longer. The Mets’ starting trio that led the team along the way – Jose Quintana, Luis Severino and Sean Manaea – all expressed a desire to return, but knew the feeling must be mutual and change is part of the game.

“I have no control over this right now,” Manaea said, her eyes watering. “I love my time here. I love New York. I love the organization.”

Quintana, 35, added: “I’m healthy. I feel good. I want to try to win a championship again. That was the best thing I’ve ever achieved in my career. One day I will get the opportunity.”

Players believe the Mets won’t be a cohesive team, not with owner Steve Cohen openly expressing his desire to win a championship. Cohen sat with Alonso and Manaea’s agent, Scott Boras, before Game 6, but the playoffs are not the time to make deals. That starts in November.

Boras also represents 37-year-old Mets designated hitter JD Martinez. Martinez was asked what his future holds after signing with New York in late March.

“Pickleball,” he joked.

He also expressed hope that he wasn’t done with baseball. Last offseason was eye-opening as Martinez waited all winter for the phone to ring. That never happened.

“If it happens, it happens,” Martinez said. “If not, then not. I won’t come back because I’m begging to come back… I love hitting baseball.”

Martinez played sparingly in the postseason, but hit 16 home runs in 120 games for the Mets during the regular season. He knows the task Mets GM David Stearns has ahead of him, considering nearly half the team will hit the open market next month.

“Obviously they have some big decisions to make with the free agents,” Martinez said. “We have to fill the gaps that will be missing next year. It wouldn’t surprise me if they did that and the team (the NLCS) is back here next year.”

The most important decision will be made by their first baseman, who has endeared himself to the team and the city over his nine years with the organization. Francisco Lindor may be the face of the team, but Alonso is the heart and soul.

“Pete has done so much for this organization since the beginning,” said teammate Brandon Nimmo. “He means a lot to the fan base and this team. I think this October definitely took the cake. He came through in crucial situations. It was classic Polar Bear Pete.”

“We would like to see him here again.”