The New York Mets are approaching a pivotal offseason with several key players potentially leaving, including three members of their starting rotation.
However, the biggest internal decision revolves around four-time All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, who remains a cornerstone of the franchise despite a down regular season.
Alonso bounced back with a stellar postseason performance, helping the Mets reach the National League Championship Series. His October run got the fans back on his side and made the Mets decision a whole lot tougher.
Speaking at Citi Field, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns addressed Alonso’s future, acknowledging that while the team would love to retain him, Alonso will likely test the free-agent market.
“He’s a great Met,” Stearns said. “I hope we have him back. I think we both understand this is a process, and everyone’s got their own interest. And Pete deserves to go out into the free-agent market and see what’s out there, and then ultimately make the best choice for him and his family.”
Alonso, who will turn 30 in December, is closing in on the Mets all-time home run record, needing just 27 more to surpass the current leader.
His clutch three-run homer in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series reignited the Mets postseason hopes, propelling them into a deep playoff run.
He continued to produce in October, hitting three more home runs and reaching base consistently during the final games of the postseason.
Despite his postseason heroics, Alonso’s regular season stats could influence contract talks. His OPS has declined in recent years, dropping from .869 in 2022 to .788 in 2024, his lowest mark in a full season.
Although he still hit 34 home runs this year, it was the fewest he had hit in any non-shortened season. Nonetheless, his power remains attractive to potential suitors.
Stearns mentioned that while he and Alonso have had many discussions about the team, they have avoided direct talks about his contract situation.
“Pete and I frankly have never really talked about his contract face-to-face. I think those conversations are best left generally with a player’s representative,” Stearns said. “But Pete and I talked about the team plenty. He’s very invested in our group, certainly was very invested in this team this year, and obviously got some enormous hits for us down the stretch.”
Once the World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers concludes, a five-day exclusive negotiation window will open, during which the Mets can negotiate with Alonso before he becomes eligible to speak with other teams.
Alonso is expected to decline a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Mets, which would allow them to receive draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere.
For now, the Mets are in wait-and-see mode as they prepare for a crucial winter, with Alonso’s future at the top of their priority list.
What are your thoughts on Stearns’ comments?
At the end of the day, will Alonso remain in Queens? Or is it inevitable that he’ll be heading elsewhere? … What should Stearns and owner Steve Cohen cap their offer at???
