NEW YORK — Pete Alonso has officially signed a two-year contract worth $54 million with the New York Mets, marking the start of spring training in Florida as the team held its first organized practice for pitchers and catchers on Wednesday. This agreement solidifies Alonso’s place with the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In addition to Alonso’s contract, the Mets have also brought back reliever Drew Smith on a one-year deal that includes a club option for 2026. Smith, who is currently recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, is anticipated to miss most or all of the upcoming season but is expected to be ready by 2026.
The financial terms of Alonso’s contract were agreed upon last week, contingent on him passing a physical examination. The four-time All-Star first baseman received a significant signing bonus of $10 million, along with salaries of $20 million this year and increasing to $24 million in 2026. He has the option to opt out of the deal after the 2025 season and re-enter free agency.
“We’re thrilled to have Pete back in Queens,” said Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen in a statement. “He is a homegrown player who has a special connection with our fans.”
Despite being on the open market longer than several other prominent players, Alonso has maintained a strong position as an elite first baseman. Other free-agent first basemen, like Christian Walker, secured contracts such as a $60 million, three-year deal with Houston, while Paul Goldschmidt and Carlos Santana opted for one-year contracts with their respective teams.
Throughout his career, Alonso has remained with the Mets organization and is now third in the franchise’s history, boasting 226 home runs, only surpassed by David Wright and Darryl Strawberry. Since his Major League debut in 2019, he leads all players with 586 RBIs and trails only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in home runs with 232.
Known by fans as the Polar Bear, Alonso is the only player in Mets history to have achieved five seasons with at least 30 home runs. Last season, he was one of only four players to partake in all 162 regular-season games.
Mets President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, expressed his enthusiasm for Alonso’s return: “Pete is an outstanding Met and remains one of the premier power hitters in the game. I am excited about our agreement and look forward to seeing him play a pivotal role in our lineup.”
Beyond his base salary, Alonso’s contract includes numerous performance bonuses, such as a $200,000 bonus if he wins the MVP award, with lesser amounts for second and third places in the MVP race. Additional bonuses are available for achievements like a World Series MVP, League Championship Series MVP, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and All-Star selections.
In the previous season, Alonso recorded a batting average of .240, alongside 34 home runs and 88 RBIs, with a career-low OPS of .788. Despite striking out 172 times, his consistency was vital for the Mets as they advanced to the National League Championship Series. He made headlines with a decisive ninth-inning home run in the Wild Card Series against Milwaukee.
Alonso made a striking debut in 2019 when he was named the NL Rookie of the Year, achieving a batting average of .260 along with a record-setting 53 home runs in his initial season and 120 RBIs. In 2022, he hit a career-high 131 RBIs.
Drew Smith, 31, had a mixed record last season, finishing with 1-1 and a 3.06 ERA over 19 games before undergoing elbow surgery in July. His tenure with the franchise spans six years, during which he has compiled a 12-13 record with a 3.48 ERA and five saves.
Both Smith and fellow right-hander Christian Scott have been placed on the 60-day injured list. Scott is also recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not slated to return until 2026.
