Radio host shares why Mets made Pete Alonso available at trade deadline

WFAN radio host Sal Licata reported Friday he knows why the New York Mets put All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso on the market ahead of this month's MLB trade deadline. 

"I’ve done my homework, and I know there are issues in that clubhouse," Licata said about the disappointing Mets, as shared by Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "That’s a fact. They know something. They know the clubhouse was a major problem....that’s the reason Pete Alonso was made available. That’s the reason the Mets need a significant change in that clubhouse and their culture. It’s just not working. It’s become a toxic environment there." 

Licata also works for SNY, the television home of the Mets.  

The Mets famously squandered a 10.5-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings last season and were non-factors in the division race by the time they acquired prospects this summer for co-aces Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, along with closer David Robertson and others. 

As for Alonso, he was the subject of numerous trade rumors leading up to the deadline, is eligible for free agency after the 2024 season and seemingly would be worth plenty to any contender. 

For a piece published on Aug. 3, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that "Alonso’s name was out on the market, but sources say the price was extremely high, as (the Mets') heart probably wasn’t in it" regarding a potential trade. 

Last weekend, USA Today's Bob Nightengale noted that Alonso "was on the trade block last week" and possibly could be traded this coming offseason as part of the Mets' rebuild. 

Licata mentioned the contracts attached to star shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Brandon Nimmo make them unmoveable. That reality coupled with supposed clubhouse issues could make Alonso surplus to requirements unless big-spending Mets owner Steve Cohen wants to reload for 2024 by handing Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani a historic contract. 

"Something is off, and Alonso has to be the one if you’re looking to change something," Licata added. "If you’re looking to change the look of this team, culture is not something that can be bought."