Oh, the pain, bro. The pain. That’s the signature opening of a Joe Benigno rant — though this time, we’re not discussing his colorful Manscaped ad reads. The longtime WFAN host, who once jokingly claimed he caught COVID from the New York Jets’ ineptitude, is also grappling with misery focused on the New York Mets.
The Mets are coming off an improbable season, riding high on great vibes and recently made headlines by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract. Yet, Benigno seems to think that Steve Cohen — who boasts the deepest pockets in baseball and is committed to honoring the team’s legacy— is somehow tarnishing the Mets’ reputation. This sentiment all boils down to one player: Pete Alonso.
If Alonso isn’t back in orange and blue next season, Benigno warns, “there might be hell to pay.” He expressed his frustration during a recent WFAN spot, emphatically stating, “Do I want Pete back? Of course. The ‘boy genius’ [Mets’ president of baseball operations David] Stearns, because let’s be honest, he’s smarter than everybody in the freaking room, doesn’t want him back. And the guy that I blame is the owner. I thought Stevie Cohen had a feel for the fanbase, okay? And now, you know what they’re pulling now with this, ‘Oh, Vlad Guerrero.’ ‘We’re going to get Vlad Guerrero.’ You know what? Screw Vlad Guerrero; I want my guy.”
Benigno’s “guy” is the 30-year-old Alonso, a fan favorite in Queens. While Alonso remains one of the most feared power hitters in the game, he’s displayed signs of offensive decline and his defensive skills leave much to be desired. The Mets reportedly offered Alonso a three-year deal worth over $70 million, including opt-outs and deferrals. Despite having turned down numerous contract extensions, the Mets are wisely retaining leverage with Alonso’s lack of a substantial market outside of New York.
This leads to the emergence of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s name in trade talks. Although the Toronto Blue Jays are not eager to part with the 25-year-old All-Star first baseman, the Mets are exploring alternatives, potentially at Alonso’s expense. But for Benigno, the priority remains clear: he just wants his guy back.
“I’m tired of it,” he lamented, listing former Mets from Tom Seaver to Darryl Strawberry, expressing frustration over losing players he’s cherished. “And whether it was that stiff M. Donald Grant, whether it was that stiff Frank Cashen, who, even though he was the GM of that championship team (1986), decided to destroy the team — now, Stevie Cohen is doing the same thing. And I am beyond livid.” Mind you, Alonso still hasn’t signed anywhere else. Yet, in Benigno’s eyes, this feels like a catastrophe in the making.
“Look, I blame Cohen. To me, it’s on the owner,” Benigno detailed. “Cohen’s supposed to have a feel for this fanbase. He walks around with the Mets hat on and the whole nine yards. It’s on you, Stevie, to get this guy back to where he belongs.” In reality, the Mets could give Alonso an emotional, feel-good contract to appease Benigno and other like-minded fans, but that’s not how Stearns operates, as they look to avoid making sentimental decisions.
There’s no doubt Alonso is important to the fanbase; he’s been a cornerstone of the franchise. However, the reality remains that he doesn’t have much of a market, and the Mets are judiciously exercising patience. It’s more likely he returns than not, as Cohen wisely steps back, allowing his baseball professionals to make informed decisions. The days of Cohen swooping in for a splashy signing, like the Carlos Correa deal that fell apart, are long gone. While the Mets aspire to keep their homegrown stars, they’ll do so within the framework of logic and long-term strategy.
Benigno may question New York’s ‘Boy Genius,’ but Stearns has earned the benefit of the doubt after helping the Mets reach their first National League Championship Series since 2015. Alonso is indeed a great Met, and losing him would be disappointing; however, it wouldn’t be the earth-shattering calamity Benigno portrays.
