Pete Alonso's New York Mets tenure concluded this week after the All-Star first baseman signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.Former Mets general manager Steve Phillips, working as an analyst for MLB Network, shared that New York was unwilling to offer a long-term deal to Alonso in free agency despite their desire to re-sign the fan-favorite."I would absolutely have gone five years and I wouldn't have hesitated," Phillips said. "I would've even gone to a sixth year with Kyle Schwarber to get him."Phillips also dismissed the narrative around Alonso's defensive frailties by highlighting his superior stats compared to Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Alonso had 68 scoops over the last two seasons compared to the Blue Jays first baseman's 48."Pete Alonso is one of the best in the game at scooping the ball out of dirt. He saves errors from his infielders. It's interesting to me how many people get caught in what Pete Alonso isn't but what he is: a consistent, productive, winning player who cares."Former Mets infielder ripped team for offseason dealingsThree time All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, who opted out of his Mets contract to become a free agent, signed for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets not bringing back Diaz and Pete Alonso in free agency, while trading Brandon Nimmo has frustrated many fans, including former Mets third baseman Todd Frazier.“I’m confused, you sign Juan Soto to a monster deal, but that should’ve been your top priority to get these guys back,” Frazier said. "There aren’t that many players out there that have the ability of what Pete Alonso can do in a baseball game,” Frazier said.“Edwin Diaz one of the best closers we’ve seen in our generation. Brandon Nimmo, is solid as all can be. Those are three guys any team would take in a heartbeat.“While the Mets could pivot to either Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker, neither of them is as prolific as Alonso, who departed New York as their all-time home run leader.