After an extended free agency last winter, Pete Alonso eventually signed a two-year deal with the New York Mets. However, his deal allows him to become a free agent again this offseason by way of declining his player option.
Alonso is reportedly likely to opt out after putting together a stellar season. Unlike last offseason, he figures to have more suitors willing to give him the long-term deal he was hoping for. His power has always been there, but this year he proved that it’s not all he has to rely on.
Alonso will be one of the biggest names on the market, and FanSided’s Christopher Kline predicted he would leave the Mets this winter.
“The Polar Bear is beloved in Queens and it’s hard to imagine him in a different uniform, but David Stearns of the analytics bend, and Alonso does not fit the profile of players he historically tends to prioritize,” wrote Kline. “If there was any market at all last winter, Alonso probably would’ve found a new home. After another excellent regular season, it feels like Alonso should enter a healthier marketplace this go-around. He has a $24 million player option, but he should be willing to sacrifice a little bit of 2026 compensation if it means more security in the years come.”
Through 139 games, Alonso has a .867 OPS and has raised his batting average 28 points from last season. The Mets do not shy away from spending, but they may simply not want to spend on Alonso, who is already 30.
“But this is the Mets we are talking about, so Steve Cohen should gladly spend money on a more youthful replacement, perhaps with a bit more defensive value,” wrote Kline. “As such, there’s a genuine possibility that Alonso finally picks up and leaves in a few months. He can’t feel too wanted after how his last free agency saga played out. If the market stalls again, he’ll end up back on a similar deal, but if there’s any interest whatsoever outside of New York, he will bid adieu.”
Alonso is not an easy player to replace. Losing him would be a huge blow to the team’s offense, and his departure would be a gut punch to the fan base.
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