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Ryan further proposes including vesting options and a club option for a sixth year at $20 million, conditional on Alonso hitting specific performance benchmarks like 30 home runs and 550 plate appearances in the final season. This nuanced structure provides Alonso with significant earning potential while giving the Mets flexibility and control.
Why Deal Early?
Ryan stresses the importance of closing negotiations quickly, warning that a prolonged battle could see Alonso exploring other markets or receiving offers that outpace Mets’ proposals. The risk lies in other teams getting involved and pushing up Alonso’s price, which might lead the Mets to overpay in the end.