Pete Alonso, the New York Mets first baseman, is currently evaluating offers as he enters free agency, with varying interest from notable teams such as the Yankees and the Astros. The powerful slugger is facing unique challenges as he looks to secure his future after being one of the top power hitters since breaking through the major leagues. With his contract status being closely examined, the offseason is proving to be pivotal for the 30-year-old, known affectionately as the 'Polar Bear.'
Alonso's impressive track record boasts 226 home runs over five seasons, demonstrating his power at the plate. Despite hitting 34 home runs and driving in 88 RBIs last season, recent reports indicate Alonso's overall performance metrics are raising eyebrows. Specifically, his slugging percentage has experienced significant declines, dropping to .459 last year from his career average of .514, raising questions about whether his best days are behind him.
Teams across the league are reportedly cautious about committing long-term, especially for players with declining metrics for their position. ESPN's Jeff Passan highlighted Alonso's predicament, stating, "His profile frightens teams; A 30-year-old, right-handed-hitting and -throwing first baseman. Teams are hesitant to give him a long-term deal." This assessment mirrors sentiments shared by other executives within the league, emphasizing the shifting attitudes toward first basemen, reflecting the overall strategy of avoiding long-term contracts during the players' decline phases.
With the Mets actively pursuing Alonso's return, they find themselves competing for his services against the New York Yankees and even the Houston Astros, who are both on the lookout for offensive upgrades at first base. Recently, MLB Trade Rumors reported on the Astros, with expert Leo Morgenstern noting, "Houston has needed a new first baseman since optioning and releasing José Abreu earlier this year." This fuels speculation about whether Alonso could find himself donning Houston colors, especially if the organization is unable to bring back their star third baseman, Alex Bregman, who has rejected contract offers.
While the Yankees appear to be considering Alonso, reports suggest they may not be as eager as once anticipated. NJ Advance Media's Randy Miller stated, "Alonso appears to be a longshot for the Yankees." Complex dynamics unravel among the New York teams since the Yankees have been aggressively revamping their lineup after the loss of Juan Soto to the Mets.
One of the driving forces behind Alonso's potential contract negotiations is his agent, Scott Boras, known for securing lucrative deals. Nevertheless, the market's apparent hesitance may lead to Alonso settling for something below his expectations. ESPN's Passan shared insights about the risk Alonso is running by waiting, stating, "Sometimes, markets just take time to build, but the risk in waiting is they never do." Different teams offering shorter contracts could be more appealing under current circumstances, allowing Alonso to capitalize sooner.
Alonso's future remains uncertain as he has turned down previous offer extensions, including one valued at $158 million across seven years from the Mets last season. He would likely need to land a considerable six-year deal worth around $137.5 million to justify rejecting it. Yet, as the offseason progresses, the competitive nature of the first baseman market complicates the scenario, with notable players like Christian Walker and Carlos Santana also available. Such availability may lessen the urgency to make significant investments.
The trend of short-term deals gaining popularity around the league is especially indicative of how teams view Alonso and other aging players. Teams are much more inclined to extend contracts when they can secure high-value annual deals rather than increase the years and risk dead-weight costs toward the end of the contract. It marks a departure from earlier eras when first basemen commanded some of the highest salaries — with players like Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols earning monumental contracts.
Alonso confidently handles the pressure of playing under the spotlight and remains beloved among Mets fans. He’s just 27 home runs from becoming the franchise’s all-time leader. Given this, there’s optimism about him returning to his home base, even if it means making significant concessions financially. Yet, as each day passes without signings, weighing the desires of both the teams and Alonso becomes challenging.
While Alonso's free agency will undoubtedly draw plenty of attention, it is evident from the murmurs around the league and quotes from insiders—like Cashman stating on Alonso's potential and other players being reconsidered—that the future remains clouded. "There doesn’t seem to be a big market for him because of his defense, and with so many first basemen available, nobody is rushing to overpay any of them," one executive commented, showcasing the crossroads Alonso finds himself at this offseason.
