Pete Alonso to the Blue Jays? Hold your horses...

There were conflicting reports on Thursday about Alonso and a possible deal with Toronto

What’s up with the Mets? 🍎

• There are conflicting reports about where things stand between the Mets and Pete Alonso. Andy Martino reports that talks between the first baseman and the Blue Jays are progressing where Candian media says that is not true (Newsweek)

• The team officially announced the A.J. Minter signing (Official)

• Carlos Beltrán fell just short of getting into Cooperstown but next year’s ballot should be more favorable for the former Met (Times Herald-Record)

• SNY released their broadcast schedule for spring training (SNY)

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Rumor Mill 💨

• The Cubs are reportedly trying to acquire reliever Ryan Pressly from the Astros but he has not waived his no trade clause (MLB.com)

• The Astros are still interested in re-signing Alex Bregman but no deal is close to being done (USA Today)

• The Dodgers remain interested in a reunion with Clayton Kershaw (Orange County Register)

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The Mets should follow the Orioles’ lead with cheaper food options… ✍️

These are quiet times for the Mets. They still have needs, and the buzz around the team remains curiously quiet with about three weeks to go before the start of Spring Training. And of course, the Pete Alonso situation remains unresolved despite some noise on Thursday about a possible arrangement between him and the Blue Jays.

At any rate, it’s a good time to talk about other things involving the Mets.

So on this Friday, I will get into their cuisine choices at Citi Field.

The Orioles recently revealed a new menu for their 2025 season. The Birdland Value Menu offers beer, hot dogs, popcorn, and other popular concession items for cheaper prices at various locations around the ballpark. Hot dogs will cost $4, while beer will be priced at $5.

These cheap concession prices are not a new concept. The Atlanta Falcons led the way in 2016 when they priced their hot dogs and other items at $2 in their new stadium. The move paid off for the Falcons when they found fans actually spent more despite the lower prices.

This seems like a no-brainer and an easy win for any team that follows suit, but especially for the Mets. While the food options at Citi Field have always been top-notch, their prices also reflect that. A $40 steak and lobster sandwich is understandable, but a simple hot dog costs about $7, and beer runs about $16. Add in $40 for parking and the cost of ticket prices, and families are being priced out of attending games. The New York Post found last year that it could cost a family of four $523 to attend a game at Citi Field and $860 to go to a game at Yankee Stadium. According to their study, a Shake Shack burger and fries is up 25% from six years ago.

To the Mets’ credit, they did do $1 Hot Dog Night last year, where a record number of hot dogs were sold. That was also on a Tuesday night in April, where families weren’t necessarily going to the game.

Obviously, the specialty items should cost a little more, but there should also be more affordable options around the ballpark. There is no experience quite like seeing the game at the ballpark, and the Mets should make sure it is attainable for all fans.

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Around the League 🚩

• The Braves signed Jurickson Profar to a three-year deal worth $42 million (Official)

• The Dodgers keep spending to create a super team dynasty, but are they really the problem or a symptom of a broader issue (ESPN)

• Federal prosecutors are seeking a 57-month sentence for Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (ESPN)

• Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara are accused of covering up the sexual abuse of a child in a lawsuit brought against the couple (New York Times)