Pete Alonso, the formidable first baseman and free agent, is reportedly leaning towards re-signing with the New York Mets, though the contract may be shorter than he desires. The Mets, having already committed over $918 million this offseason—including a staggering $765 million for Juan Soto—are hesitant to offer Alonso a long-term deal exceeding $200 million, especially after his career-low .788 OPS last season.
Alonso’s journey with the Mets has been marked by significant achievements. In 2024, he became the fourth-fastest player in MLB history to hit 200 career home runs and tied Mike Piazza for third place on the Mets’ all-time home run list. His postseason performance was particularly noteworthy; in a decisive game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Alonso hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth inning, making MLB history as the first player to achieve such a feat in a winner-take-all postseason game.
Despite these accomplishments, Alonso’s market in free agency appears limited. He reportedly declined a seven-year, $158 million extension from the Mets in 2023, indicating his desire to explore free agency. However, the current market dynamics and his recent performance may influence his contract prospects.
The Mets’ strategy under President of Baseball Operations David Stearns emphasizes signing younger players to long-term deals and avoiding extended contracts with players in their thirties, due to concerns about performance decline. This approach has created a contract dilemma with Alonso, who recently turned 30. The significant gap between Alonso’s demands and the Mets’ offers has led the team to consider alternatives, including exploring short-term deals with other players to bolster their offensive lineup.
While Alonso has attracted interest from teams like the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, and Chicago Cubs, the Mets remain a likely destination. The Giants, for instance, are interested in enhancing their offense and have considered Alonso, but concerns about his recent performance decline and the potential cost may affect their pursuit.
In summary, while a reunion between Pete Alonso and the New York Mets seems probable, the terms of the contract are still under negotiation. The Mets’ financial commitments and strategic considerations, coupled with Alonso’s market value and performance metrics, will play pivotal roles in determining the final agr
eement.
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