The Mets trading aging pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander to the Rangers and Astros, respectively, at the trade deadline was one thing.
New York dealing squarely-in-his-prime first baseman Pete Alonso, however, would be quite another.
Yet according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, an Alonso trade to the Brewers was explored by the Mets in the run-up to the deadline on Aug. 1.
“Opinions differ on how close a deal was to fruition,” Rosenthal wrote Tuesday. "One thing is clear: Alonso’s future with the Mets remains a major question."
Alonso, 28, has one final year of arbitration eligibility remaining in 2024 before hitting free agency ahead of the 2025 season. The three-time All-Star is making $14.5 million in 2023.
Rosenthal noted that the Cubs also inquired about Alonso's availability. Milwaukee and Chicago currently hold the top two positions in the NL Central, with the Brewers leading the Cubs by 3.5 games.
New York, which won 101 games in 2022, has disappointed in '23 and currently is fourth in the NL East at 59-68. Despite this, Alonso has continued to hit, slashing .224/.325/.531 with 39 home runs and 95 RBIs.
