Part 2/9:
Following discussions and negotiations that did not meet expectations, the Mets announced they would be "exploring secondary options" outside of Alonso. This comes after the team reportedly extended a last-ditch effort to sign him for a deal worth between $67 million and $70 million over three years.
Will Sammon from The Athletic indicated in a recent update that Alonso's pending opt-out clause was a significant consideration in their decision-making process. The Mets have been vocal about their view that Alonso does not fit the mold of a "David Stearns-type player." This had been a quiet consensus among the Mets' fanbase and beat writers long before Alonso's departure was officially confirmed.