Even if Pete Alonso’s initial foray into free agency did not turn out the way he had anticipated, the New York Mets may soon be forcing him to do it again.
Shortly before spring training began, Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million contract on February 12 with a player opt-out after this season, capping up a somewhat drawn-out discussion. Despite reports that the process was rife with conflict, Alonso denied such allegations.
Regarding his experience with free agency, Alonso stated, “I was aware of everything that was happening at all times.” “I was never left in the dark or left wondering. They remark, “Oh, it was a crazy offseason,” to those who were not privy to the inner workings of the company. No, it wasn’t. I had everything in front of me, so I was able to observe the entire procedure.
Alonso also decided to see it as a chance to establish his value, even if he had hoped for a lengthier contract.
Pete Alonso Welcomes Chance to Prove His Long-Term Worth
The 30-year-old slugger, who had acquired a reputation for hitting the long ball with 226 home runs and 586 RBIs throughout his first six seasons, was unable to secure long-term security due to his.251 lifetime average, which was lowered by seasons of.217 in 2023 and.240 in 2024. Alonso was aware that this season was an opportunity to break free from that label.
“In actuality, I believe that this will be the greatest chance for me to enter the next market,” Alonso stated. “There is a win-win situation, not only for me but also, I believe, for the organization.”
The contract appears to be a victory for Alonso now that the season has reached Memorial Day, but not so much for the Mets.
Alonso led the squad to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday by hitting his 10th home run of the year and driving in RBIs 39 and 40. With an OPS of.927 and a slash line of.291/.391/.536 presently, Alonso has a stronger argument to opt out of the deal at the end of this season in order to pursue a larger salary.
Pete Alonso’s Success Likely Has Mets Regretting Short-Term Deal
The Mets are probably already regretting “not locking up Pete Alonso for longer,” Kerry Miller said in a recent Bleacher Report piece on “1 MLB Offseason Mulligan Every Team Wishes It Had.”
The Polar Bear and New York ultimately prevailed in their game of chicken. Pete Alonso re-signed with the Mets on a one-year, $30 million contract with a $24 million player option for the following season after searching elsewhere for a few months and just not finding the kind of lucrative long-term deal he was hoping for,” Miller wrote.
“His outstanding start earned him the NL Player of the Month award in April, and the Mets are undoubtedly wishing they had been willing to go a little longer term on their 2024 wild card series hero.”
And that choice may cost the Mets more than simply a lengthier, more costly deal for the guy who will probably eclipse Darryl Strawberry as the franchise’s all-time home run leader, barring injury. Other clubs would undoubtedly compete for Alonso’s services after his successful 2025 campaign; in fact, according to Jim Bowden of the Athletic, the Phillies, Cubs, Rangers, and Mariners would all be suitable suitors.
