The New York Mets are facing uncertainty surrounding their first baseman Pete Alonso as Major League Baseball's offseason progresses. Alonso, affectionately known as the 'Polar Bear,' has reportedly turned down multiple offers, and negotiations between him and the Mets have reached a standstill.
Going back to earlier offers, New York's Mets management had proposed $158 million for Alonso, which he deemed insufficient—seeking more lucrative terms instead. Alonso's agent, Scott Boras, was optimistic—aiming for a contract worth $200 million or more. Yet the dynamic of the first-baseman market has drastically shifted, leaving Alonso with fewer appealing options.
Recent reports indicate other teams are also reconsidering their interest due to Alonso's age and recent performance metrics. With the 30-year-old's 2024 season featuring career lows, including just 34 home runs and 88 RBIs with .240 batting average and .788 OPS, the market is tightening. This performance has raised flags for both the Mets and other potential suitors.
The San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Angels have emerged as potential contenders for Alonso's services. While insiders speculated about their interest, MLB expert Ken Rosenthal advised caution, reinforcing the idea of the Mets being the logical destination for the first baseman. "The Mets are the team who developed him, and they understand he can handle the New York market," Rosenthal remarked recently.
If Alonso does not come to terms with the Mets soon, the organization's future plans could take a different direction. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is reportedly hesitant to offer Alonso the long-term deal he desires, often seeking shorter contracts with higher average annual values instead. A compromise could potentially lead to a four-year deal worth about $120 million, making Alonso the highest-paid first baseman annually, surpassing Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman's $27 million per season.
While Alonso’s return to Queens remains plausible, the situation remains fluid. If Alonso walks away, the Mets reportedly have plans to deploy alternative strategies to fill the first-base role. For example, rising star Mark Vientos could shift to first base, allowing Brett Baty or Ronny Mauricio to step up at third base—albeit those options are filled with uncertainties.
Whether Alonso remains or departs can disrupt the Mets' future seasons. The team could look to bolster its lineup with options such as Yandy Díaz, who could serve as a stopgap solution if negotiations fall through. Díaz has solidified himself as viable backup, with the Tampa Bay Rays considering trading him as they reshape their roster.
With the new season looming, the Mets need quick resolution. They’ve now added superstar Juan Soto under the banner of the largest contract ever—a significant move toward championship contention. The addition of Soto, combined with Alonso's explosive batting, positions the Mets favorably, especially with aspirations for the upcoming season.
Despite waning interest from other clubs due to financial hesitations and Alonso's age, the Mets likely still hold the upper ground as they negotiate terms. Fans echo the desire to see Alonso back, believing his talents are irreplaceable, especially as he continues nearing personal milestones within the franchise’s history.
Only time will tell whether the Mets can align on contract details with their star slugger or if they'll be left searching for alternatives as the 2025 season approaches. While the offseason remains quiet for Alonso, increasing whispers suggest he prefers to remain with the team he knows best, maintaining the familiar rhythm of New York baseball.