“Pete Alonso, Mets’ Star Slugger, Sparks Controversy with Bold Political Stance”
“Pete Alonso, Mets’ Star Slugger, Sparks Controversy with Bold Political Stance”
In a surprising turn of events, New York Mets’ powerhouse Pete Alonso has taken a bold step into the political arena, igniting a firestorm of controversy both on and off the field. The two-time MLB All-Star recently made headlines by publicly endorsing a highly divisive political candidate, raising eyebrows and stirring up a frenzy among fans and pundits alike.
Alonso’s vocal support for the candidate, whose policies have been met with fierce opposition from various quarters, has divided the baseball community, with many questioning the appropriateness of athletes wading into such contentious political waters. Some applaud Alonso for using his platform to advocate for causes he believes in, while others argue that sports and politics should remain separate, and that his endorsement could alienate a significant portion of the fanbase.
The slugger’s outspoken stance has sparked heated debates on social media, with fans expressing both admiration and outrage. While some are rallying behind Alonso, praising him for his courage and conviction, others are calling for a boycott of Mets’ games and merchandise, vowing to turn their backs on the team as long as Alonso continues to align himself with the controversial candidate.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Pete Alonso’s decision to wade into the murky waters of politics has thrust him into the center of a storm, leaving fans and observers alike wondering whether his actions will ultimately help or harm his reputation both on and off the field.
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen said that he isn’t necessarily looking to get his team under the initial luxury tax threshold amid rumors about impending free agent first baseman Pete Alonso’s future in Queens.
Cohen said, per Tim Britton of The Athletic, that next season’s first luxury tax threshold of $241 million “seems far away” before adding:
“It just seems like that could be hard to do. We don’t have to do that. I’m perfectly happy to finance us in a way where that isn’t a goal of mine. If it were to happen, that would be fantastic. The reality is you’ve got to expect something in the middle someplace.”
Increasing penalties are put into place for teams who exceed the luxury tax threshold by (a) a certain amount of (b) over a certain amount of years.
For example, a team spending more than $241 million next year in payroll for the first time would owe an additional 20 percent tax on all payroll spent above the $241 million limit.
That money can add over time, with teams over the tax for a third year or more forking over 50 percent on all overages.
This year’s Mets have a $340 million tax payroll. It’s certainly not an ideal spot for a team that faces an uphill battle just to make the postseason.
With all that in mind, there’s concern about the future of a homegrown star in the 29-year-old Alonso, the three-time All-Star who’s smashed 192 home runs in his five Mets seasons. He’ll certainly be paid handsomely next offseason, but will it be from the Mets?
New York already has a bunch of holes on its roster to fill even with Alonso aboard. Cohen has deep pockets, for sure, but one has to wonder if it’s better spent on filling out the team’s gaps rather than giving Alonso a massive deal and continuing to pay luxury tax.
