Hour 3: Alonso the Forever Met?

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – "Hour 3: Alonso the Forever Met?"

Released on June 11, 2025

In this engaging episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the New York Mets' current season, focusing primarily on superstar Pete Alonso and his potential to become a "Forever Met." The conversation is rich with insights, debates, and fan perspectives, making it a must-listen for Mets enthusiasts and baseball aficionados alike.

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Mets' Current Performance and Standings

The episode kicks off with a detailed analysis of the Mets' recent performance. Peter Rosenberg provides a comprehensive breakdown of the latest game against the Nationals, highlighting key moments and player contributions.

Peter Rosenberg [01:05]: "The big hit from Alonzo scores. Soto with a tying run. And then they get the McNeil RBI single in the bottom half of the 10th inning."

Rosenberg emphasizes the Mets' standing in the National League, noting their significant lead over the Phillies and the struggling Nationals and Braves.

Peter Rosenberg [02:37]: "The Mets have the best record in the National League."

Pete Alonso's Performance and Contract Discussions

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Pete Alonso's exceptional performance and the Mets' considerations for his future with the team. The hosts debate whether the Mets should secure Alonso with a long-term contract to ensure he remains a cornerstone of the franchise.

Caller Pete [08:01]: "Do the Mets try to sign him now to a contract and lock them up, just like the Yankees should have tried to do with Soto because, you know, once he went to free agency, was going to be a free for all."

Peter Rosenberg argues in favor of Alonso staying with the Mets, drawing parallels to beloved Mets legends and the importance of having a "forever" player.

Peter Rosenberg [12:23]: "He is for us because of what he brings. Especially if this team competes for a championship or wins the championship."

Alan Hahn echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Alonso's role and the perfect timing for his potential contract extension.

Alan Hahn [27:44]: "He should get the opportunity to be here forever."

Comparisons with Past Mets Legends

The hosts compare Alonso to past Mets legends like Andre Dawson and David Wright, discussing the qualities that make a player a beloved "forever Met." They explore how Alonso's connection with the fans and his on-field performance position him to surpass previous icons.

Peter Rosenberg [25:19]: "He will go down as the greatest everyday Met of all time."

They also reflect on the Mets' history of losing key players to free agency and trades, underlining the missed opportunities and the lasting impact on the fanbase.

Peter Rosenberg [15:31]: "But one of the biggest mistakes the Mets ever made was letting Ray Knight go."

Fan Perspectives and Caller Inputs

Throughout the episode, fans call in to share their views on Alonso's future and the Mets' potential strategies. These interactions add depth to the discussion, showcasing diverse opinions within the fanbase.

Caller Evan [31:00]: "If Pete Alonso were to leave, it would give me the same feeling as when Daniel Murphy walked after his big playoff run."

Another caller, Sonny, expresses skepticism about Alonso fitting into other teams, highlighting his unique connection with the Mets.

Caller Sonny [43:39]: "I absolutely hate the thought of Alonso coming here. I think his personality is a little bit weird. I don't know if he's gonna fit with the guys."

Other Topics: All-Star Selections and NBA Updates

While the primary focus remains on Pete Alonso, the hosts briefly touch upon other subjects, including All-Star Game selections and potential coaching moves in the NBA. They discuss the Mets' prospects for All-Star honors and the Knicks' interest in NBA coach Quinn Snyder.

Peter Rosenberg [33:07]: "Edwin Diaz, Bodhi Regrett, Francisco Alonso. Now, it's always dicey when you get to relievers..."

Additionally, the conversation shifts to speculative NBA trades involving Kevin Durant, with callers debating the potential impact on the Knicks' roster and championship aspirations.

Caller Adam [42:10]: "I think it would be a disaster to trade for Durant. He hasn’t led a team to the next level since Golden State."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the significance of securing Pete Alonso's future with the Mets to maintain team continuity and fan loyalty. They emphasize the balance between financial considerations and emotional investments that define franchise decisions.

Peter Rosenberg [14:07]: "Are you really going to nickel and dime and play the stupid analytics game? Are you going to say, you know what, he's special and he is going to end his career as my first baseman."

The episode concludes with a reminder of upcoming events and promotions, encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the team and the podcast.

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Key Takeaways:

• Pete Alonso's Impact: Alonso is central to the Mets' success this season, with discussions on his performance and the necessity of a long-term contract to make him a "Forever Met."

• Team Standings: The Mets lead the National League with a significant gap over competitors, positioning them as strong contenders for the postseason.

• Fan Engagement: Caller insights highlight the passionate and diverse opinions within the Mets' fanbase regarding team management and player retention.

• Historical Context: Comparisons to past Mets legends underscore the importance of building a lasting legacy through player loyalty and strategic decisions.

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This episode offers a thorough exploration of the Mets' current trajectory, the pivotal role of Pete Alonso, and the intricate balance between business decisions and fan loyalty. Whether you're a die-hard Mets fan or a casual baseball enthusiast, "Hour 3: Alonso the Forever Met?" provides valuable insights and spirited discussions that resonate with the heart of New York sports culture.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

MF fans, get ready to roll with DPH Rowan Rothenberg for the third annual pregame party. It all happens tomorrow, June 12th. Come join Rick and Dave live at Publicans in Manhasset from 6 to 10am for the ultimate pregame party. Then ride the train with them from Manhasset station to city.

[Alan Hahn]

Come on, ride the train. The choo choo riding.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You know what's funny? That came to my mind just before you said, wow.

[Alan Hahn]

Really?

[Dave Rothenberg]

I'm like, I don't want to say it. Peter will make fun of me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So that means you were on the same pop. You were on the same level. Fans keep going.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I see you did there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The fun keeps going in lot E, starting 11:30 right up to first pitch. When the Mets take on the Nationals, it's all brought to you by Yingling. Traditional lager legends stand the test of time. London Jewelers and Tullamore do, because we. When it's game time, it's Tully time.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Sure is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was a nice win for the Mets. I get that. It's the Nationals, but the nationals are only five games under.500. So it wasn't like you were down. Abomination.

[Dave Rothenberg]

The late innings, like you were down.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Four, you were down three, nothing. Yeah, and it looked like, all right, Canning doesn't have it. All of a sudden, these guys are coming back to earth. Some of these starters that have been pulling these great starts out of there, you know what. And then the Mets, you know, we get back into the game. Soto, it's a home run, 4, 2. And then the big. The big hit from Alonzo scores. Soto with a tying run. And then they get the McNeil RBI single with the Manford man in the bottom half of the 10th inning. So Garrett bounces back after that miserable outing against Los Angeles last week, and the Mets get a win. And you take a look at the standings, and the Phillies won today, but they had lost last night. So as we speak right now, as we were continuing play on June 11, the Mets are four and a half games up on the Phillies, five in the lost column. So that's pretty significant. And.

[Dave Rothenberg]

And they're the only ones in shouting distance, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, yeah, because the Nationals are in third six games under the Braves. You know, the braves are. Are nine games under.500. Now. They had a. They had a spurt there, like in late May, where they won like 10 of 13, but otherwise they've been miserable. They've lost. They've lost eight of their last 10 games. The Marlins are guard. God awful at 25 and, and 41. So it looks like it's a two team race. So the Mets are in really good shape. And you look, where are the Dodgers?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Are they. Where are they as far as best, best record in the sport?

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Dodgers, Mets. Well, the Dodge. The Mets are three games better, four in a loss column.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So the Mets. The Mets have the best record in the sport.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, they have the best record in the National League.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So Detroit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Detroit, the best record in baseball. But. But only a game. They're 20 games over at 44 and 24. And the Mets are 19 games over.

[Dave Rothenberg]

All right, well, so I mean, it's coming together, man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Cubs are really good too.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then you look at the wild card teams. The Philly, Philadelphia's last wild card at 10 over. This shows you how good the National League is that the last wild card team is 10 games over.500. So then you look at the Cardinals, who are five games over. They're two and a half out. Brewers are three games over. They're three and a half out.

[Dave Rothenberg]

But it's also one from each division, right? No, it's not like one division dominant.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it's the three best.

[Dave Rothenberg]

It's not what I mean.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm sorry.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I meant the three wild card teams are each from the, from a different. It's Phillies, it's Giants and. Help me out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, Phillies, Giants and Padres. The Giants.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Oh, okay. All right. So I didn't realize the Padres were there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So it's the best records that don't.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Win the division because the east is really not very good. Right. Like it's Phillies and then everybody else sucks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Mets and Phillies and everybody else sucks.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Right? Yeah. Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's kind of like the American League east where it's just the Yankees and basically everybody else. But the Blue Jays have gotten hot. They've won eight of their last 10, so there's seven over. So the Blue Jays are actually playing well.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You trust?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I have never trusted that. I like the Blue Jays. I like to see them win. So you look at the American League wild card. Minnesota's got the last wild card spot, four games over.500. So the last wild card spot in the national league is 10 over. Last wild card spot in the American League is just four over. So it just shows you how good the National League is. So for the Mets have the best record even though it's early in the better league. They're good team a lot and they should get healthier. With the return of mania, looks like it's going to be happening soon and the ability to be able to get better and in the NC scenario as.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Well, it really has been relatively. The top of the order has been relatively healthy, and that's been important.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And outside of Lindor, who's been a bit streaky, and Alonzo, who's having an.

[Dave Rothenberg]

MVP caliber and Lindor technically has an injury, he's just playing through it, right? Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And there's been a lot of good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's still been able to do things and he played last night.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, Soto's getting hot, but obviously was nowhere in the beginning of the season. Nemo certainly can be better. I. They can get more production out of Alvarez. So right now, I mean, there's still a lot of guys that, you know, can play better.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Actually, Vientos, right? He's the one that's hurt.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, he's. He's hurt. And they brought up Ronnie Mauricio, who struggled early, but he started to find it and now he's contributing. So you got to really be excited about both of these baseball teams. But like what the Mets are doing in the National League. Remember we went in saying it's going to be much harder for the Mets to be able to go to the World Series because of how many good teams or in the National League. And if I were to tell you that they'd be the best team in the National League on June 11, better than Philadelphia, better than Atlanta, better than the Dodgers, Padres, Giants, it's pretty significant. And at what point do we have a conversation, are the Braves cooked? Like, I'm not ready to do that because it's baseball, Susan, and it takes A lot of things can happen, but you're thinking about it when you're nine games under. Now, we saw it from the Nationals a few years ago that they were, you know, miserable. The All Star reign came back. So I'm not getting ready to say the Braves are done, but I'm willing to say this. I don't know if the Braves are a threat to win the division. They might get up and find themselves in a wild card. They might be competitive in the second half of the season. But at what point do you say from a MET standpoint, it's the Phillies and nobody else?

[Dave Rothenberg]

I think you're getting there. Soto, by the way, as you mentioned, starting to percolate a little bit, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. So he was six times back On Sunday.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah. That's Colorado. That's pretty.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Three hits and three walks.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah. So month of May was an abomination, right? He was. He really, really struggled. Where he's at in June right now, now it's only nine games. All right, so if you don't want to just do the month, how about we go back? You want to go back 14 games?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Or 12. Let's go 12.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's an even number.341. Batting average. Okay. Slugging.707. OPS of 1.225. You like those numbers?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like them? Yes.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah. Eight RBI, four home runs. Right. But is that. That's more in line of what you would expect to get out of him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I think that the. They'll be in good shape when he starts hitting. And Alonzo will. Alonzo cool off.

[Alan Hahn]

Sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I don't think to the point where he's going to be what Soto was in April and May. So this team should be able to hit their pitching. The bullpen has been relatively good. I mean, there's been some hiccups here and there, but overall, you got to be really thrilled with the Mets. Now, I want to go to Pete in Staten Island. He's been on hold for a while, but he asks a really legitimate question since the Mets. Pete in Staten island, what do you got?

[Caller Pete]

What's going on, guys? How are you?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Good.

[Alan Hahn]

How are you? Hey, buddy.

[Caller Pete]

Good. Alan, by the way, you are great on tv.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Thank you.

[Caller Pete]

I'm thinking about Alonzo and I'm saying, do the Mets try to sign him now to a contract and lock them up, just like the Yankees should have tried to do with Soto because, you know, once he went to free agent, was going to be a free for all.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah, he wasn't. Soto wasn't going to sign. They made that clear.

[Caller Pete]

If you offered him $600 million in the middle of the year, I don't know about that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Soto or Alonzo.

[Dave Rothenberg]

No, he's saying. I still. I think Boris would have said, well, if they're willing to give you 600 the rest of the market. Right. I think they always knew Cohen was going to be in the weeds, and he wanted to play Cohen into this whole. This whole equation. So if you. If you read the story when you were. They were planning so. But no, the Alonzo thing's a different story, though. And that's where. That's where. I'm glad Dom brought you in because that's. Because Alonzo.

[Caller Pete]

That's my second piece.

[Dave Rothenberg]

He's 30 and he's already playing at what he thinks is a discount. He knows I'm hot now. You never know how it ends. If the Mets went to him now. Don. What? What? Give me a number. Well, for his age, he's at 30 already. Right, so you. I don't mean 30 years old. I mean he's 30 is. Is his. Right, but what would you comp him as? As one of the great power hitters in the sport.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So, so do you go to like 35 for 5? Oh, I was going to say 3.

[Alan Hahn]

7.

[Dave Rothenberg]

3.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Then you can you go from there like he's 30 now 5.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I think you got to at least give him to his 35. They got judged till he's 38.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. So he's. Yeah, you're probably going to be looking at 30. 30. Maybe, maybe, maybe you go to 7.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Because he could Dh. You know, he doesn't have to be a first baseman. Arrest his life. The guy can dh.

[Caller Pete]

And then what happens if he goes to free agent? Do the Yankees bid him up because of what the Sotos.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I got to stir that up.

[Caller Pete]

All I'm hearing about is the nick coach. The Nick coach, the nick coach. First of all, why would kid want to leave with the four guys they have coming back over?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because he's always wants to be harder road.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Harder road to the NBA final.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Pete, you bring up a great point. Here's why I don't worry about the Yankees, because I don't think the Yankees want to. I don't, I don't think they like Pete as a player on a long term basis.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Well, they have, they have stint. So that's the only reason why you say no to Right, Because Stan's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Your DH is not going to be there those few years.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, obviously they're going to need a first baseman. They went with Goldschmidt. He's gonna be 38 years old.

[Dave Rothenberg]

The Rice has shown you he can play first base. And he's also showing you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Michael keeps talking about that Alonzo doesn't seem to fit in the analytic world the Yankees are playing in. But do the numbers get to a point where it's like, how do you not want him? He can hit to all fields, right. He. So the opposite fields you got the short porch. Doesn't seem to bother him. He can hit home runs out there. He's not a butcher at first base. You can. All right. And then when Stan's contract is done after the next three years, and then you can slide him in to be the dh, but it seems like they're not interested. But if he ends up putting up MVP numbers, how are you if you're the Yankees not interested?

[Dave Rothenberg]

He's batting.300, right? He has 17 home runs already this season. Okay, his he leads majors built in 62 RBI.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Ops is still under one. But I mean he's a terrific player. If you're the Yankees, aren't you all about home runs?

[Alan Hahn]

But he's kind of a fit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Boris, clients don't sign in season so I understand you can offer him something. He's going to want to test free agency if he continues with the year that he's having, by the way, 62 strikeouts.

[Dave Rothenberg]

It's not terrible.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it's not terrible. He's a really. He's a great player. I'm going to keep asking this question. Makes contact and if you want to join the conversation. 1-800-9193776 you've got forever money. If you're Steve Cohen, you've got a forever player in Pete Alonso who you felt like you needed to bring back even though some of the baseball analytics told you maybe it's time to move on. He ends up honoring you with an amazing MVP caliber season and who knows what happens. Maybe the Mets win the World Series. Then how is the logic not we just got to keep this guy forever. We've got the money. He's a special player. He would at that moment have more home runs than any other method. He is in a position to be a forever mat. Are you really going to nickel and dime and play the stupid analytics game? Are you going to say, you know what, he's special and he is going to end his career as my first ph.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's just be honest with the kind of guy he is. He's also not going to tax them and he's going to do it for he will say the appropriate market value. I'll take it. He's not. I will bet anything he wants to do that. He loves being here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, I think, I think, listen, I want to get into his head.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Go ahead, but do it. Climb right in.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He won't be a special someplace else because he is not Juan Soto. He's not Aaron Judge, he's not Mookie Betts. Like he's not a player that is going to transform your organization and I don't think outside of New York he's necessarily a guy that's going to put fannies in the seats.

[Dave Rothenberg]

He's not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's a really, really good player.

[Alan Hahn]

Damn Good player, but he is special.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here in New York. The fans love him. It means something to him to be a Met. I don't know if he or the organization he goes to is going to feel as special as him staying with the Mets.

[Dave Rothenberg]

He's not Pete Alonzo anywhere else, Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Exactly.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's the thing. He's. He's a guy, but he's not Pete Alonzo anywhere else. I think that's what you're trying to say. And when you think about sometimes there are players who you just associate with one team and then he goes somewhere else. It just doesn't look right. It doesn't seem right. Nothing ever is right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm just saying we're talking about $35 million over, you know, I don't know, five years say that. So whatever the math is for that.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Is, it's a lot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is another team going to look at that and say, is that, is that value for that first baseman for that age, for what he brings to the table? And the answer is probably going to be no.

[Dave Rothenberg]

What is that? One fifth? What is that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't ask me math questions. Off the top.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's, let's be careful, everyone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

35 times five, you know, I got it.

[Alan Hahn]

180.

[Dave Rothenberg]

No, no.

[Alan Hahn]

175.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So one charger, five over five. So, so there's going to be somebody that's going to look at it and go, that's not, he's not that kind of player. But the Mets can look at it and go, no, he is for us because of what he brings. Especially if this team competes for a championship or wins the championship. One of the biggest mistakes the Mets ever made, in my opinion, was letting Ray Knight go. After the 86 World Series. It was over a lousy $200,000, which at the time was not nothing.

[Dave Rothenberg]

But he was a heart and soul guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he was a heart and soul guy. And just the optics of he was our World Series MVP and you let him walk to Baltimore for a measly 200 grand. Was it the right quote, unquote baseball decision? Maybe, you know, Hojo was there, make him the full time third baseman. Like it checked a lot of boxes, I get it. But it just didn't look good. That a heart and soul guy that helped you win your first world series since 1969 is gone.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So let's see where this season ends up. But no matter how it ends up, and right now, the way they're playing, it would be considered a collapse if they didn't make the play. Especially in the wild card era.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But if this team were to compete or possibly win a championship, I just don't know how you let that go. You can't let that walk out.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Do you also believe, do you guys believe in there are some players that you're going to pay more to keep? And it goes beyond baseball.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Like there's some guys where it's like, I might not do that for everyone, but I would for him because. And I know they, oh, it's business. It's never emotional. It's never. But sometimes you do have to put a little bit of emotion in it. And the whole idea of when, when Cohen and company got booed at that Mets fest.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Because the question about Alonzo came up and Stearns was very like, cold about, you know, well, we're not talking with him right now. And it felt like they weren't going to bring him back. They didn't want to bring him back. And the fans let you know, we want him back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's.

[Dave Rothenberg]

We love him. And so that changed. I feel like that changed thing. And then when Soto said, well, who's in the lineup that's protecting me? And now how's it working out?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So the. All those things to me, if you're Cohen, there is like, what's it. What's a number that'll make you comfortable? I'll pay that. And you'll be a forever met and we'll never worry about you. And you'll be like David Wright. Even after you're gone, after you're done play, the fans will still love you and you'll still be a guy that can come around and be around and it's good vibes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. Well, because what's it worth to you? Because baseball, Alan, is the one sport where you can do that.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't do that in football, basketball, hockey, because there's a cap.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And so you don't do those things in a vacuum. All right, let's bring him back even though he's not worth it. Well, now you're going to cripple yourself with the cap and he can hurt the team. That now there are way. There are times when your payroll is too high. It can hurt you with international money and draft picks and all that, but it's not going to hurt you with a cap. And the other thing, like in most cases, like with the Rangers, with the Knicks, you're going to sell out your building. You're not that concerned about putting fannies in the seats. Every baseball team still cares about that because you got to be really good to sell out a building every single night. Major League Baseball. There's always room to put a few more.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Dom, I wasn't asking, like, will you make the money back? What I'm saying is sometimes you do pay a little extra. It's a smart move because of the. I don't want to say good karma, but you know what I mean, Like, a good vibe, like, this is just a guy. Like, this should always be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But. But vibes are right. Because it does come down to a bottom line of there's a buzz about your team, the fans are happy, and maybe go to a couple more games that otherwise they wouldn't go to be able to save Pete. Listen, I know it's laughable to a Yankee fan, but this is what I'm trying to tell you about Judge. I know you want him to win a championship. I know he hasn't been great in the postseason, but there's something about. I want to go see him play. He's my guy. I want to go to a game and watch Aaron Judge hit a home run.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For a Met fan. That's Pete Alonso. Now, is Soto better? Yeah. Is Lindor better? Yeah, arguably, sure. But Pete Alonso's our guy.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I'd love to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Home runs.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Well, you just said. Actually, I'm curious about that.

[Alan Hahn]

Which point?

[Dave Rothenberg]

If you're a Mets fan, you know who your best players are. Who's your favorite? Is Alonzo that guy where you're like, you know what? I know Soto's great. I know Lindor has been awesome.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I just love Pete.

[Alan Hahn]

Can I tell you the truth, though? This is where Pete gets complicated. And Don, what did you just say? You said about Lindor. You went probably.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, he.

[Alan Hahn]

Definitely.

[Dave Rothenberg]

But you think it's Lindor?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I mean, no, no.

[Alan Hahn]

Better.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But we're still talking about a guy. I don't think that.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no, no. I know. I'm getting your questions. I was referring to what Don said.

[Dave Rothenberg]

All right.

[Alan Hahn]

To your point, though, here's what makes Pete interesting.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He is.

[Alan Hahn]

He should be the guy you're describing that everyone's like, but he's our favorite. Trying to think of a good comp for another local team because it's hard with the Knicks. Oh, Josh Hart, let's say. Right. Because Brunson is the obvious favorite. But then a lot of people love Josh Hart because of the way that he plays. I don't know that Pete is that guy over the stars of the team, even though they love him. I don't know that's his favorite.

[Dave Rothenberg]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think that's changed, though, in the last year. Quirky awkwardness. I think now the fans are all in because he's been here so long.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That home run. Such a moment.

[Alan Hahn]

Such a moment.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's, he's playing so well and, and even though some of it kind of from a distance looks corny, all the things we talked about, how even up.

[Alan Hahn]

Close.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It'S, it's a redeeming feature to him now. Like, it's now kind of like he's our, he's our nerd.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I was going to say, is it weird to say that if, if anything embodied a Met?

[Alan Hahn]

It's kind of awkward. You know what I mean?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Like the whole.

[Alan Hahn]

But I still think here's the one thing I'd push back on and I'd be we'll find out. We'll hear from people. Lindor, over time, has not only been like a great player, a really great player, but he's also like a great dude. Like he is a dude that you want your kids to like. He did the New Balance commercial where he made the whole thing like, I'm a metal. He's here. He's the guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I am going to tell you, but that's a star. I'm going to tell you why you're wrong. 1-800-919-3776.

[Alan Hahn]

Wrong, he says.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don Hahn and Rosenberg. I'm going to talk to Peter on his level.

[Alan Hahn]

You mean small words. Again, thank you.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The ESPN New York Beach Bash is back Friday, June 27th at Bar A in Lake Como, New Jersey. Head down to the Jersey Shore and join Michael K. That show will be from 1 to 3 and then we'll be on from 1 from till like I think 3 to 6:30. I think there's a Met game that day, but we're gonna be hanging out there past seven. Dpietro Rothenberg, Bart Carlin. More people are gonna be hanging out. We'll have plenty of giveaways and fans in attendance and also music from suits in Mai Tai and Overboard. It's all brought to you by Yingling Traditional Lager Deep Eddie Vodka show for Hofer Spiked Aid and also Wild Fork Meat and Seafood Market and the New Jersey Lottery. You must be 21 years of age or older to enter.

[Dave Rothenberg]

What were you playing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know. What were you playing?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Jake? What was Jake playing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes or no?

[Alan Hahn]

Hello, Jake, what were you playing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I was playing Busy Doing Nothing by the Beach Boys.

[Alan Hahn]

Busy doing nothing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow.

[Alan Hahn]

You know the Beach Boys were supposed to play PNC on Friday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I don't think. I don't think he was performing with them, but I.

[Alan Hahn]

That's what I just said. But apparently until very recently, he was back performing with them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's so odd.

[Alan Hahn]

My producer, Griff just saw him at Summer Stage, Central Park, Summer Stage, recently.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because people about this song, that song like Kokomo, which is not going to be a song which. Which I do.

[Dave Rothenberg]

It's a great song.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I do enjoy the song, even though it's more of a guilty pleasure. It's not a great song.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Good movie Cocktail.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're talking.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But there's a lot of stuff that doesn't include Brian because Brian was like in and out and fighting with the band and all that stuff. So there's a lot of stuff that maybe went that weren't involved with him. I'm going to tell you why you're wrong about Alonzo's popularity with the fan base. And Alan will back me up on this.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I was saying that. I was suggesting that though he's popular, I don't know that he's actually more beloved than Lindor is what I'm saying.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think Allen will back me up here.

[Alan Hahn]

You think, but you're not sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All the great Rangers, right? The Messier, Graves, Richter, Legion. The guy that is the most beloved. The two, even more than Messier and Graves. As popular as Graves, Leach and Richter. Why? Homegrown guys drafted by the team came up with the team. Same thing with The Mets. The 86 Mets. Doc and Daryl over Gary over Keith. Why Homegrown drafted came up. Something in New York. Good point about being the forever guy. Like Lindor is immensely popular. And there will be. People will take calls at 1-800-919-3776 that will say, I think Lindor is my favorite. Or Soto's my favorite now, or Diaz, whatever. But most Met fans will always have a special place in their heart for the guy that came up. They'll always give him the benefit of the doubt. They'll hammer the free agent or the guy they traded for because there were expectations around that guy. But you'll.

[Dave Rothenberg]

But we gave up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You'll battle a little bit harder as a New Yorker for the homegrown guy. And I think that's an advantage Pete has over guys that might be clearly better Than him. And that was the whole reason I did the Ed Crane pool rant is the Mets never really had that. They either had the guy leave later on or they got him from someplace else like Gary or Keith or Piazza.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Doc and Darryl were the guys that went on somewhere else and had great success.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Dave Rothenberg]

And you had to watch it like Doc and Darryl. One of them should have just stayed Mets the whole time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That would have been great.

[Dave Rothenberg]

It didn't go that way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now it's fair.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean the could be that, that.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Forever met like David Wright, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. David Wright. The thing I say about David Wright is it just ended prematurely because of the back. Of course. He should have been able to give.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Us four years Crane pool.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen, he's, he's, he's bigger than Ed Crane.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Well, that's what I. Crane, who is.

[Alan Hahn]

Who is Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't hold.

[Alan Hahn]

But Alonzo would be better than Wright.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Alonzo is going to go down if he stays a Met his entire career. He will go down as I think the greatest everyday Met of all time. It's, it's, it's hard to top see her.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Even though Seaver went pitched in a hitter with the Reds and won his 300th game with the White Sock, it's still Seaver. Right. Nobody's going to hold him back stand. But from an everyday player standpoint, he'll be better than. He'll be better than Daryl, he'll be better than David Wright, he'll be better than Mike Piazzi.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Now when you say better than Darrell, a better Met. Right, that's what you're saying because Darrell was long enough. Right. That was the problem. But Daryl's got to be the most talented Met to ever play.

[Alan Hahn]

Well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He was the black Ted Williams they called when he got called up and he had a good speed, a great arm for power, for average. He was a five tool guy. But you know, Daryl had his issues. Daryl, let's be honest.

[Dave Rothenberg]

New York City left in the 80s.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He hinted in 88. He did. I think it was, forgive me for not knowing the newspaper. He did one of those articles. Remember when like that was a big thing like when a team was on a run articles.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, no, I remember them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Article for the paper and he hinted about wanting to finish his career with the Dodgers and he ended up going to la, you know and that, that stung a lot of people. Even though it was something that you understood he was, he was going home.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But still he left, you know. And he also got himself in some trouble. There's Doc and Daryl are two of the most interesting teammates in the history of sports, in my opinion. I'm not saying that as a Met fan, I'm just saying it's a fact. I mean, they still resonate with this fan base 40 years later because of everything. But I think Pete's got a chance and if he ever won a title. Yeah, come on. You know, for a Met fan, like, listen, Yankee fans have championships like Chiclets if you're a certain age. Right? But why do you listen, I think Keith and Ronnie are fabulous. I think that they're a great broadcast with Gary. But Keith and Ron resonate because they're 86 Mets. They won a title. You're going to resonate. You're going to live forever. Those 69 Mets, a lot of them are gone now, are always going to resonate because there's only two. He's been around since 1960, over 60 years. They got two titles. So you're going to be forever. Like the 94 Rangers. Those guys are going to live forever. Forever. It's amazing how they'll trot those guys out in 2025 at Madison Square Garden and people are falling like the Beatles are walking in the building because there's only 94.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Knicks too. I mean, it's getting sad. A lot of those guys aren't around anymore. 1973, but God, if the Knicks ever won, those guys would walk forever.

[Alan Hahn]

No, listen, he's. Pete has a great opportunity and he has done everything right. When you think about the timing of it all, between the homer against Milwaukee, rolling right into this year where he's been consistent since opening day, the timing could not be better for him. He should get the opportunity to be here forever.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And if they win one now, is that worth to him now Boris is going to tell him no, you go to San Francisco.

[Alan Hahn]

That's not him, though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you know what? Here's what I would do. You know, I don't know why you'd have Boris as an agent then. I would. I would move on.

[Alan Hahn]

You'd fire him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, it sounds strong, but I guess that's what you're doing. It's like if you want to stay.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Give up the commission.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, if you're going to stay here, then you could probably get any agent to work that out for you. And I think the Mets will pay you. But again, I don't know what his end game is. It seems like he wants to be here. But if somebody goes out for some 40 for seven years or 40 per year for seven I don't think the Mets are going to go that high. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. I don't know.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Does this sound stupid? I know it's naive, but when is it like, I don't need that, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You're over 30, you're happy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's the way they keep school.

[Dave Rothenberg]

It's like, okay, I can get 40 over 7, or I get 35 over 5 and be where I want to be. Do I really want to leave here? I know it's a lot more money and all that stuff, but aren't there some decisions where you just go, I just want to be happy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Not pick up my life and start over.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Generational, it seems. Listen, so is 175 million, but it's a way they keep score. You know, being the highest paid first baseman or the highest paid player or the highest paid player on your team. It's how these athletes keep score.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I get it. That's why I said it's a naive thing to say, but there are. It's rare, though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When Brunson did what he did, look how it resonated with him.

[Dave Rothenberg]

His situation is rare. You don't always have this, the forever thing. You're over 30 and you put your roots down. That's what I mean. I don't mean somebody in his prime that, like, you know, you can make a ton of money. That's not what I'm talking about. This is one of those rare situations where it's like, I could leave and, you know, uproot everything and start over later in life. Or I could just stay here. I know I'm going to win. I know I have a functioning franchise. Like everything's. Yeah, it's not Giannis in Milwaukee, where I don't know if I ever have a chance to play for a championship again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it's a question, but I can't get in his head. Evan and Farmingdale. You're on ESPN New York.

[Caller Evan]

Hey, guys. Last time I called, Don, you said I was high as a kite. I'd like to redeem myself a little bit. It was just a long day at work.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, listen, it's. It's not a negative. It was a judgment. Yeah, or the show of high.

[Dave Rothenberg]

He was almost jealous.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's. You're. That. That's our target audience.

[Caller Evan]

So what I want to say first, I want to touch on the Lindor Pete Alonzo favoritism. I think that Lindor is in a little bit different of a boat than any other non homegrown player to their team. Because Lindor, when I think of him, he's my favorite player. He's almost like the first player of the Cohen era, which was such an important thing for like the Mets fans. So when I look at him, I think of like the new Mets and he was like the first guy.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's a good point.

[Alan Hahn]

Like Lindor and came here for a long time, said not only am I coming here, I'm staying here.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Right? Yeah, that's a good point.

[Caller Evan]

And he's like one of the first free agents because we had a bad run, you know, with the Jason Bay. But again, once Cohen came in, that was like a different era of the Mets and Lindor was that.

[Dave Rothenberg]

What I.

[Caller Evan]

Was calling for is I feel like if Pete Alonzo were to leave, it would give me the same feeling of like when Daniel Murphy walked after his big World Series or playoff run the year before and he went to the Nationals. And I know Pete Alonso to the Mets is a lot bigger than what Daniel Murphy was the Mets, but it almost doesn't make sense. Like after Daniel Murphy had that playoff run to just let him walk, whatever you may pay him, even if you don't feel like he's worth that. I think it would be the same feeling of it. Just give him the money. Yeah, like it, it will just be worth it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, that's supposed to be the benefit, Evan, of having Cohen as an owner because back with the Wilpongs you had to pinch pennies. You had to think about the financial ramifications of every decision. And Daniel Murphy was just a financial decision. Is he going to put up those numbers? Are we going to be able to allowed to overpay him? At what price is that going to be to the rest of the roster? You could give, as we saw this year, Alonzo a little bit more than you want and it not have to affect the day in day out of your finances. That's supposed to be the benefit of having a Steve Cohen. But Daniel Murphy is a great comp too. He raked in the playoffs in 2050. Raked. And then to see him on the national divisional opponent and then for him to find himself the way he did early on, early on, early on and then it aged.

[Alan Hahn]

Terrible. Terrible. It aged right for the Mets.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. But at the time, at the time.

[Alan Hahn]

It was absolutely brutal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, well, you know, the single reason maybe that we got as far as we did and he walks out the door. Tim in West New York, you're on espn New York. What's up guys? What's up baby? I was going to say, is it.

[Caller Sonny]

Outrageous to say the Mets deserve five All Stars?

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then the six would be Juan Sota.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Name them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Edwin Diaz, Bodhi Regrett, Francisco Alonzo. Now, it's always dicey when you get to relievers, right? And the pitchers in general, because that's always going to be up to the National League manager, which is going to be the Dodgers. So that's. But definitely Alonzo, Lindor, Diaz. That's 3. You said Garrett 4. Soto would be 5. Who am I missing? Sanga. Yeah. So Sanga's been really good. I'll go as far as like, again, Garrett. I don't know what the thinking is going to be, what Cora is going to decide to do there, but you should at least have four.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Oh, yeah. If you're a messenger.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Got to go.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Do you really want Senga pitching?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, going there, it's ceremonial because they treat them like with kid gloves once a week over like 80 pitches.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I don't need him there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I don't need it either. God, the All Star.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Even Diaz.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Where is the All Star Game of this? I tell you, all star, I'm 57 years old. The All Star Game is not even on my radar.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Mars, they're going to send space.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're a big baseball guy. No idea where it is that that tells Houston. Not Houston.

[Alan Hahn]

Charger now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nope.

[Dave Rothenberg]

He's a Ram.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is it American or National League? It's a National League.

[Alan Hahn]

Nationally. San Diego.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nope.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I actually did know this, but I knew it because of the story that was surrounding it.

[Alan Hahn]

Millie Walke.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no. Algonquin for the Goodland.

[Dave Rothenberg]

It was supposed to be here. They took it away and now they're bringing it back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is it my wrong to just be bored with this?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Oh, my God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Where is it?

[Dave Rothenberg]

It's stupid.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Charlotte Citi Field. I'll just tell you. It's in Atlanta. Truest park. Who cares? Where'd you say?

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's why I said truist. Just.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no. What city?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Atlanta.

[Alan Hahn]

Atlanta?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. My knowledge of Atlanta is calling two Ranger Thrasher games, so it's not putting its best foot forward by any stretch. But is it wrong to mean Danny here?

[Alan Hahn]

They say the only way to truly know Atlanta is a Thrasher game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, am I wrong to just not care about Atlanta if I never set foot there again? I'm good.

[Dave Rothenberg]

And. And this is. I've done. I did the NHL. I also did a lot of games there. Islanders Thrashers. I did a Rangers Thrashers, But I've done a ton of Nick's Knicks, Hawks, zero interest. Yeah, like I don't get it. I don't. Because it's, it's all right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you're a fan, right?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Passionate.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not a fan.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm not a fan. It's just a, it's a, it's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm good.

[Alan Hahn]

It's, it's a.

[Dave Rothenberg]

There are good areas of the town, but I, I. Sports town. Awful.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, it's a sports town. I don't think it's college football.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Off the charts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I might want to go to a Falcon game to see.

[Alan Hahn]

I love what they've done. The, the Falcon building is great. You want to charge Georgia for the food.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's what you want.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no, I'm good. That.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm good on Serena. Whatever.

[Alan Hahn]

It's. If I was 22 and single, I'd love to go to Georgia Bulldogs game as a 45 year old man.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Fair point.

[Alan Hahn]

The idea of going to a college football game is literal hell to me. I don't understand.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know.

[Alan Hahn]

But, but, but Atlanta, you know, in hip hop is a huge cultural thing. So like there's a lot of culture there. Sports, nothing. I think, I think Atlanta is a club city.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sports. I'm absolutely biased because again, I think I did probably twice. I know. Definitely two. Maybe more. Probably two Ranger Thrasher games.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Lot of Ranger fans.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There was about 8,9000 fans in the building, half empty and most of them were rooting for the Ranger. Kind of a cool footnote. I did call a Ranger Thrasher game. Chris Chelios was playing for the thrashers. He was 47. He was a day.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I don't remember that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I was like kind of cool. I got to call a game with Chris Chelios in it. But I just, you know, we get there. We do the game. We get. I just didn't do it.

[Dave Rothenberg]

It just, it was nothing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's, it's so. You know the fact that the All Star games. Listen, honestly, if the All Star game was in my backyard, I call the police. I'm going to take that day. You'll take the day.

[Dave Rothenberg]

The major.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But wait.

[Dave Rothenberg]

The Major League Baseball All Star game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is in your backyard? I'm good.

[Dave Rothenberg]

You are going to see.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I do want to see Mets in it in the sense of to have the mega. You know, Lindor has never been to All Star Game as a Met. How ridiculous is that? But as far as the game I might watch just because they're like, literally might not be anything else. I'm good with the whole All Star thing. Can we say that is that I completely.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Although they're like the Home Run Derby thing that the night before, way better now than anything that any other sport does. Way better.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's very cool, right?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Would you agree, like, it has superseded the slam dunk contest by far, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It does suffer sometimes the same problem. Do you have the best? Like, if you don't have Aaron Judge in the Home Run Derby, why are we bothering? Right? You know, like, if you don't have Ohtani in the Home Run Derby, what are we doing? I guess you're right, you know, so, yeah, we go. We progress.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Well, if you have a choice between keeping the Nick roster the way it is or trading two starters for Kevin Durant and you know, your window is very tight to win a championship and you know Durant's going to get traded and the reports are that you are one of five teams that are on the list. What do you do?

[Peter Rosenberg]

1-800-919-3776. We'll answer that. We had ENN at 6. We got Mets at 6:30 on ESPN New York.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, guys. And now I have a message brought to you by our friends at Better Help. It's okay to struggle. Real strength, though, comes from opening up about what you're carrying and doing something about it so you can be at your best, all right? For yourself and everyone in your life. June is men's Mental Health awareness month, and men today face immense pressure to perform, to provide, and to keep it all together. So it's no wonder that 6 million men in the US suffer from depression every year. And it's often undiagnosed. With over 35,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. And it works, all right. Trust me. With an App store rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over a million and a half client reviews. That's right. 1.7 million client reviews and it's 4.9. As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Talk it out with BetterHelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first [e-mail] timeout. That's betterhelp.com timeout.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So Alan asked the question, why don't you ask it again? It was our tease but for people.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Just joined because it's is, it is a topic conversation as we, we spent a lot of time with the Knicks and the whole coaching search debacle that's going on right now. But there's also another topic going on that I'm just curious to hear from fans about, which is the fact that Kevin Durant and Brian Windhorse has been saying that you can expect that he's going to get moved pretty soon here the next, you know, the next couple of weeks. The draft is coming up in a couple of weeks and that it's going to be a very busy off season in the NBA. And when you consider the teams that the Suns are now working with, KD is Rich Kleiman, we all know him, New York guy, friend of the show. He's the, he's his business partner. So they're all working together to get send him to a destination of choice. The reporting from Shams is that teams that have expressed an interest in Durant feature the Rockets, the Spurs, the Heat, the Timberwolves and the Knicks. And we've seen reporting here in New York that says the Knicks are really not that interested in making a trade for them. So what. Which is right, right. Like are they interested or is KD interested in the Knicks and wants them to be in this conversation. Any type of trade for KD is going to cost you two players because his contract's $54 million. He turns 37 before the season starts. And as Wendy told me, he's also going to be seeking an extension. So he's not going to be a lame duck like going into my final year kind of deal here. He's not going to be a one year mercenary. He's want wherever he's getting traded to, he wants an extension. Is that really the right move for the Knicks? If you put him with Jalen Brunson, You've got two incredible closers, two great scorers, one of the most efficient shooters in the history of the game. You are in the east, you have a chance to get to the finals, but you also really thin out a team that's already been thinned out. So what's the right move to make?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think I do it. He's going to be 37 years old. He hasn't really done anything to lead you to believe he can take a team to the next level since Golden State. Right. So I probably say no. Adam Staten Island.

[Dave Rothenberg]

What do you say?

[Alan Hahn]

What up, Adam?

[Caller Adam]

Hey guys. Hey guys. I, I think it would be a disaster, man. I have to say, like, I hope this doesn't sound like I'm diminishing the fact that he's an all time great player, but the only time he's ever won is with a team that didn't need him to win in the first place, which was one of the, like, biggest loser moves of all time, by the way. Going to that team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was a while ago.

[Caller Adam]

To the brink. Yeah.

[Dave Rothenberg]

And 18.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He.

[Caller Adam]

He has never won with anyone else as great as he is. And we were two games away from getting to the finals with the team we have. What do we need? A bench. What should we do? We should shore up our bench. Especially if we're going to get a coach that I'm assuming is going to play the bench more. That's the whole reason why we, I'm assuming, got rid of Thibodeau.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Adam.

[Alan Hahn]

You're right, Adam, but let's not be in denial. You're right. About the bench. Let's not be in denial about the fact that there are many times when this team needs more sources for offense to them. Let's, let's, let's not. It dries up.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Their starting five was one of the highest scoring in the league. Like an efficient too. Not that, just. Oh, they took all the shots. No, it was very efficient. So they were.

[Alan Hahn]

So it's a high. It's about having someone off the bench who can be an actual scorer. That when you rest.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's what I. What Adam saying. What I'm saying is that's what I'm looking for. I'm trying to get. Give me. Give me a. Give me a killer off the bench.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sonny on Long Island.

[Alan Hahn]

Pritchard, if you will.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Jamal Crawford.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay, well, lowering the standard a tad, but I hear you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you think, Sonny? Sonny.

[Caller Sonny]

Hey, sorry about that, guys. Yeah. Listen, I absolutely hate the thought of Katie coming here. Obviously generational player, but I don't think he fits us. I think he's. I don't know, his personality is a little bit weird. I don't know if he's gonna fit with the guys. He might be too big of a star to fit in with JB and Cat. I think with all that said, Leon hasn't. I don't think Leon's been wrong yet. So if he does it, I have to trust him. But I'm not a fan of the idea of Katie coming here at all. And what do we give up to even get him?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah, that's the problem.

[Caller Sonny]

We have left to give up.

[Dave Rothenberg]

That's the problem is you'd have to give up significant pieces, you know, that would fit the salary match. And, you know, that's the thing. And again, I want to repeat, Shams is saying that the Knicks are a team that has expressed interest, but all the New York reporters are saying the Knicks are not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it's weird, right? So all of them.

[Alan Hahn]

I got to call Shams out for something. So here's another tweet from moments ago. The Knicks have requested permission to speak with Quinn Snyder, but the Hawks have firmly denied.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Okay, this is now getting.

[Alan Hahn]

Shams, you're trolling for clicks.

[Dave Rothenberg]

This is now getting.

[Alan Hahn]

When you add the firmly denied, what that sounds like when you use that.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Word they hung up on it is that you've been.

[Alan Hahn]

Is that you've been rejected.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

The only thing it means is if this is true is we love our coach. It has nothing to do with the Knicks by using the word firmly denied. It's like they asked someone out on a date and they're being rejected over and over.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're trying to make it as if the coach.

[Alan Hahn]

The coach isn't safe, but who the team is.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Where's he getting the info from? The Knicks aren't telling them. Yeah, we were firmly denied. No, it's the Hawks that are telling them. It's the Dallas Mavericks.

[Alan Hahn]

But all that means.

[Dave Rothenberg]

So they're the ones saying, we hung.

[Alan Hahn]

Up on them, but. Or they're just going, no, absolutely not. We have no interest letting Quinn go.

[Dave Rothenberg]

If you're going Quinn Snyder, if that's how far you're going. Are they going to call every.

[Alan Hahn]

Because where are we going?

[Dave Rothenberg]

Calling the Clippers, and I'm calling the Cavs. That's right. I'm calling the Cavs. Kenny Atkinson. Bring them home, New York guy. I want the Cavs to tell me, no, if you're going that far.

[Alan Hahn]

This is just a weird approach. So we're just gonna see now with 17 names. Come on. There has to be a better way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To do it, because what is an owner gonna tell Shams? He's gonna go, I tepidly said no. I thought about it for a bit and said, well, we like him, but not that.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no, listen, we like our head coach. So we thought about it. We don't love him. So we considered it. No, they're gonna say, hey, did you have an interest? No, of course not. We love Quinn Snyder. We're not considering it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're gonna say emphatically no. Otherwise, anything else is gonna be completely different. Ah. Anyway, game time is brought to you by Telemardu Irish Whiskey. Oh yeah, because when it's game time.

[Dave Rothenberg]

It'S.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, the music.

[Alan Hahn]

It's Dolly time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's Dolly time.

[Dave Rothenberg]

Like when he holds it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Mets continue their series with the Nationals coverage immediately following us on 880 at 630 and the Yankees are in Kansas City for The Royals at 7:40 Tullimore Dew the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullimore Dew Honey during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Want to let people know I'll be filling in for Michael tomorrow at one?

[Alan Hahn]

That's right, you're damn right she will.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Be at the Met games. So stay tuned for that and ENN right here on ESPN New York.

[Alan Hahn]

Now I want to talk about something though before we get to ENN and that would be FanDuel, because FanDuel is the best place to find all your favorite player props for the NBA Finals. And now you can make the smart play with new performance trends. Want to check on a player's consistency during the playoffs? Or maybe they've been flirted with a potential triple double? Get the latest stats right inside the app and see who's heating up. And after the tip off, you can combine live prop bets into a same game parlay for a chance to win big. If you don't already have FanDuel, it's not too late to get on the action. You'll get started with $200 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. So just visit FanDuel.com Peter to join today. Make every moment more with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA 21 and over in Fisly. Present New York vs online real money wager only $5 first deposit required bonus issues non withdrawable bonus bets that expire seven days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See [e-mail] for help with the gambling problem. Call 877-8-HOPE and WHY or text Hope and why 467369 thanks for listening to.

[Don Hahn]

The Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Dave Rothenberg]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good.

[Don Hahn]

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.