Pete Alonso should prioritize the Mets over money to solidify his legacy as a franchise icon. As a free agent for the first time, he has the opportunity to explore various options, but the current landscape has shown him that the market is not as lucrative as he might have anticipated. With six years of MLB service under his belt, he earned the right to seek a substantial contract, yet the interest in his services has been lukewarm at best. Other free-agent first basemen have signed lucrative deals, leaving Alonso in a position where he lacks the leverage he once believed he had.
As his options dwindle, Alonso faces a pivotal decision: should he chase a bigger paycheck, or should he focus on what he hopes to achieve with the Mets? After three months on the market, no team has stepped forward with an offer that approaches the $28.5 million annual salary of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the highest for a first baseman in Major League Baseball. Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, likely realize that their aspirations to set a new financial benchmark may not materialize, a realization that should have been apparent much earlier.
Alonso’s timing could not have been worse, as he had a lackluster regular season. Before his series-winning home run against the Brewers, he struggled under pressure, batting just .191 in critical situations. His OPS with runners in scoring position dropped from a career-best 1.099 in 2022 to a disappointing .761 in 2024, showcasing a steady decline in performance. With a career-high ground-ball rate of 42.1% last season, Alonso’s inconsistency became evident as opposing pitchers adapted to his style.
Despite these challenges, Alonso remains a powerful hitter capable of changing the game with one swing, as demonstrated by his three-run homer that propelled the Mets into the NLDS. His 226 home runs since 2019 rank second in the league, just behind Aaron Judge. Additionally, his durability is noteworthy; having played all 162 games last season, he ranks third among first basemen in games played since his rookie year.
So, how does Alonso’s on-field value compare to the highest-paid first basemen? Two years ago, he rejected a seven-year, $158 million extension from former GM Billy Eppler, a decision that now appears to be a significant miscalculation. This offseason, the Mets, under the leadership of president David Stearns, have reportedly offered a three-year deal worth around $70 million, with potential opt-outs.
Boras may find the current contract offers unsatisfactory, but Alonso has the option to communicate directly with Mets ownership. This approach is not without precedent; Aaron Judge secured his deal with the Yankees by speaking directly to owner Hal Steinbrenner. Meanwhile, fellow Boras client Alex Bregman remains unsigned, and José Altuve is reportedly negotiating to bring Bregman back to the Astros. Both players find themselves in a similar situation, lacking leverage.
Steve Cohen, the Mets’ owner, recently expressed frustration with the ongoing negotiations during the Mets’ FanFest event. His candid remarks indicated dissatisfaction with the proposals presented, suggesting they were not favorable to the team. Cohen stated, “This has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation… I don’t like the structures that are being presented back to us.”
What Cohen subtly conveyed is the Mets’ need for Alonso. While he expressed a desire to move forward with other players, he left open the possibility for Alonso’s return. The Mets made headlines this offseason by signing Juan Soto to a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract, but the team’s success hinges on surrounding Soto with strong players, including Alonso.
The reaction from the Citi Field crowd at FanFest, filled with boos directed at the ongoing Alonso negotiations, stemmed from a place of passion. New York fans are known for their loyalty to homegrown talent, and Alonso’s connection to the franchise is undeniable. Cohen has demonstrated a commitment to satisfying the fan base, and signing Alonso could elevate the organization’s aspirations.
Alonso may feel disappointment towards the Mets for not presenting a more lucrative offer, leading him to consider holding out. If he remains unsigned in the coming weeks, he risks missing the start of spring training. It is understandable for him to feel undervalued, particularly by the Mets, who have yet to recognize his contributions as he perceives them.
Ultimately, Alonso must come to terms with his current market reality. After years of anticipating free agency and the potential for a lucrative contract, he finds himself in a position of disappointment. The only control he has now lies in performing better in the 2025 season to reset his value. With 27 home runs needed to surpass Daryl Strawberry as the Mets’ all-time leader, he stands at a crossroads: one signing could solidify his status as a franchise legend rather than an outsider. The choice rests with him, but the narrative of his career seems destined to continue in orange and blue.
It is time for Alonso to embrace the call of destiny that awaits him in Queens.
