New York Mets' Pete Alonso (20) tosses his bat as he watches his solo home run sail over the right field wall against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball playoff series, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The wait is over! Pete Alonso is staying with the Mets. The star first baseman just signed a two-year, $54 million deal, ending months of free-agency uncertainty.
Alonso’s contract includes an opt-out after the first season. If he performs well, he can test the market again. For now, he’s set to earn $30 million in 2025, with a $24 million option for 2026.
This deal comes after a rollercoaster offseason. The Mets offered him a three-year, $71 million contract, but Alonso chose a shorter, high-value deal with flexibility. He had little leverage after a disappointing 2024 season, where he hit just .788 OPS with 34 home runs. The 30-year-old slugger also turned down a seven-year, $158 million extension in 2023 before switching to agent Scott Boras.
The Mets, led by team president David Stearns, weren’t keen on long-term commitments to aging players. Alonso’s struggles and his age made a reunion uncertain. Owner Steve Cohen even admitted negotiations were exhausting. “Soto was tough. This was worse,” he said at Citi Field on Jan. 25.
With Alonso unsigned, the Mets prepared for a future without him. They re-signed Jesse Winker and brought in reliever A.J. Minter. They even had Mark Vientos and Brett Baty practicing at first base. Yet, as free agency dragged on, Alonso found no better offers.
Other teams hesitated because signing him required draft-pick compensation. That left Alonso with no choice but to return. The Mets got their slugger back, and their roster now looks stronger with the addition of Juan Soto.
Now, the pressure is on. The Dodgers are still the National League favorites, but the Mets aren’t far behind. For Alonso, this is a second chance. If he bounces back like other Boras clients—Matt Chapman and Blake Snell—he could secure a massive contract next year. With Soto hitting alongside him, his production could soar, just like Aaron Judge’s did with the Yankees.
The Mets win big in this deal. Alonso’s bat makes their lineup more dangerous. Vientos can stay at third. And the team avoids a rebuild at first base. With this move, the Mets stay in the race for the NL title. Buckle up, fans—it’s going to be a wild season!
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