Eppler: Potential Alonso extension talks to stay 'private'

MIAMI -- If Pete Alonso and the Mets are negotiating a long-term extension, they’re doing it quietly and behind the scenes. And they want things to stay that way.

Mets general manager Billy Eppler released a statement Wednesday dismissing a recent report about the state of negotiations with his star first baseman.

“While we understand the media and public interest in player contract situations, we strongly believe in keeping those conversations private,” Eppler said. “Any circulating reports do not accurately reflect our conversations with Pete.”

Alonso reiterated that sentiment, which he has expressed before, later on Wednesday at loanDepot park.

“I just want to concentrate on my ability to come and compete every day,” Alonso said. “I want to dedicate my whole focus to being the best player I can be, and that’s ultimately what I’m trying to do every single day during the season. The offseason, I’ll put more focus on this.”

For much of the last year, both the Mets and Alonso’s camp have remained tightlipped about the possibility of an extension. Alonso is under team control through the end of next season and will be due a raise from the $14.5 million salary he made this year through arbitration. The team reportedly included him in trade talks before the Aug. 1 Trade Deadline but did not strike a deal to move him.

“I love it here,” Alonso said. “I love New York. It’s been such a blessing and an honor to be a part of this organization. New York, it doesn’t feel like home, because it is home.

“New York, for my family and I, it means so much. Citi Field is a great place to play. The fans are super passionate and care so much. The whole city of New York has just been super welcoming to my family and I. It’s been an honor. It’s been nothing short of an honor.”

Alonso, 28, is enjoying one of his best seasons, with a team-high 45 homers in 143 games. He now owns the two highest single-season home run totals in Mets history and could finish the season in fourth place on the franchise’s all-time homer list.

Sources said recently that the Mets have at least talked to Alonso about a new deal, but no indications have surfaced that the two sides are close. Nor is there any particular urgency. Shortly after the Deadline, Mets owner Steve Cohen indicated that the team would be willing to negotiate with Alonso as a free agent after next season, if he does not sign a deal first.

“We love Pete as a Met,” Cohen said. “He’s an integral part of the Mets. He’s still with us for another year. Listen, we hope we work things out. Even with Brandon [Nimmo], we worked things out in free agency. Hopefully we’ll get a few shots at the apple and try to figure it out.”