Mets’ dramatic comeback in Juan Soto negotiations could be Pete Alonso blueprint

Word is the Mets needed an all-time comeback to execute the biggest signing in their history — or anyone’s history — and secure hitting superstar Juan Soto for a record $765 million. 

Could they make another big comeback to re-sign the beloved Polar Bear, Pete Alonso? 

In comparing the two star negotiations, Mets owner Steve Cohen noted at their fanfest Amazin’ Day that both were “exhausting” but that the Alonso talks are even more exhausting and “worse.” 

Back in the topsy-turvy Soto talks, where three rounds of bidding were established, the Mets nearly fell out in Round 1. After the Mets initially bid around $500M — word is, they first suggested about $41M a year for 12 years before eventually coming up 50 percent — they were informed they were in last place, or thereabouts, among five big-market teams bidding. At that moment, it appeared the Mets might exit quickly. But as we now know, the perseverance of Cohen and Co. paid off big time.