By Sunday 
Slugger Returns to Queens After Uncertain Market
After months of speculation, Pete Alonso is staying home. The New York Mets have reached an agreement with their longtime first baseman on a two-year, $54 million contract, sources told ESPN. The deal, pending a physical, includes an opt-out after the first season, giving Alonso flexibility for his future while ensuring the Mets retain one of their most recognizable stars.
Alonso’s Path Back to Queens
Alonso’s return wasn’t always guaranteed. While he has been a cornerstone of the Mets’ lineup since his record-breaking rookie season in 2019, contract negotiations stalled, and the front office briefly explored moving on. Market interest, however, did not materialize as Alonso initially hoped.
Despite ranking second in Major League Baseball in home runs (226) since his debut—trailing only Aaron Judge—Alonso found himself in a free-agent market that undervalued right-handed, power-hitting first basemen in their 30s. His production had dipped slightly over the last three seasons, with his OPS falling from .869 in 2022 to .788 in 2024. While teams like the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays showed interest, the long-term mega-deal Alonso initially sought never came to fruition.
Why the Mets Brought Him Back
Despite his statistical dip, Alonso remained a fan favorite and a clutch performer, evident in his dramatic postseason heroics. Facing elimination against the Milwaukee Brewers in last year’s Wild Card series, Alonso smashed a ninth-inning, three-run homer to keep the Mets alive. He continued to shine in the playoffs, homering twice against the Phillies and once more in the NLCS against the eventual champion Dodgers.
With the Mets loading up this offseason—adding superstar Juan Soto on a 15-year, $765 million deal—the lineup is now a force to be reckoned with. Pairing Alonso with Soto, Francisco Lindor, and emerging third baseman Mark Vientos solidifies the heart of the Mets’ batting order.
A New-Look Mets Team
Beyond the Alonso signing, the Mets revamped their roster with aggressive moves. They strengthened their outfield depth with Brandon Nimmo, Starling Marte, and Tyrone Taylor, while adding power to their infield with young prospects Ronny Mauricio, Luisangel Acuña, and Brett Baty.
On the pitching front, they re-signed left-hander Sean Manaea and brought in right-handers Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes, and Griffin Canning. A.J. Minter and Ryne Stanek will bolster the bullpen, giving the Mets one of the most complete rosters in recent memory.
What’s Next for Alonso and the Mets?
Alonso will make $30 million in 2025 before deciding whether to opt out of the second year. If he performs at an elite level, he could test free agency again, this time hoping for the long-term deal he originally sought.
For now, though, the Polar Bear is back in Queens, and the Mets have their slugger. After a rocky offseason, the message is clear—New York is all in on contending for a championship.