As 2025 begins, Pete Alonso, a cornerstone of the New York Mets since 2019, remains a free agent, but league insiders suggest his future may already be decided.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Alonso is “almost certainly” expected to re-sign with the Mets.
The deal will likely be a short-term contract with opt-out clauses. Either way, Passan is confident that the homegrown Alonso will be staying put in Queens.
Though teams like the Los Angeles Angels have reportedly shown interest in the slugger, negotiations have yet to result in an agreement.
As his free agency drags on, speculation is growing that Alonso will ultimately return to the Mets.
Facing a vacancy at first base, the Mets have few internal options to replace Alonso’s production. One possibility is shifting rising star Mark Vientos to first, but that move would create a new gap at third base.
To address these challenges, the Mets may need to get creative when structuring their corner infield.
What’s undeniable is Alonso’s value as a power hitter.
Since making his MLB debut, he has launched 226 home runs while posting a .249 batting average and 586 RBIs.
The four-time All-Star and 2019 NL Rookie of the Year has been a key offensive force for New York.
However, Alonso’s recent performance may explain why teams are hesitant to offer a long-term deal.
While he bounced back in 2024 with a .240 batting average, 34 home runs, and 88 RBIs after a disappointing .217 season in 2023, the production still marked a slight decline from his peak years.
Despite his undeniable ability to hit home runs, Alonso’s one-dimensional offensive profile – focused heavily on power – has raised concerns about his long-term durability and potential decline.
Some teams might be wary of committing to a lengthy contract if his power diminishes in the latter years.
Nevertheless, Alonso remains one of the premier power bats available on the market.
With his proven ability to perform under New York’s spotlight and the Mets’ recent acquisition of Juan Soto, a return to Flushing could solidify their lineup as they aim for a World Series title.
Mets legend David Wright is hoping that a deal gets done soon and that Alonso understands the golden opportunity he has to potentially go down as a Mets legacy player.
“It’s a different feeling when you’re drafted, developed, and playing for the team that gave you your first opportunity,” Wright said. “There’s a little more – maybe a lot more – pride when you put that jersey on every night. And I hope he remembers that and doesn’t lose sight of that.
“With that being said, I’ve never, ever faulted a player for maximizing his earning potential and going to try to make a great living for him and his family. I can’t fault him for that.
“But at the same time, I remember what hit home big time for me was we were in Atlanta towards the end of Chipper [Jones’] tenure. And seeing Chipper’s emotion and his words having spent his entire career in Atlanta certainly hit home for me, and obviously playing across town from Derek [Jeter], seeing how much that meant to him.
“I certainly learned a lot from them, learned a lot from afar just kind of following them. What they would say, how they would act, and how much it meant to them to put the same uniform on their entire career. I think that that should certainly be a consideration – hopefully is a consideration to Pete – when he’s looking for his next team or coming back to New York.”
What are your thoughts on Wright’s comments?
How about the report by Passan? … Do you agree that it’s only a matter of time before Alonso strikes a deal to remain with the Mets?
Or can you see another team swooping in and snatching him up???
