Copyright Newsweek
The New York Mets missed the postseason after signing Juan Soto and bringing back Pete Alonso last offseason. Now Alonso is once again a free agent and should be able to find a lucrative deal in free agency. Alonso was better this past season than he was in 2024. He was named an All-Star for the fifth time and had the best batting average of his career. He is reportedly looking for a seven-year deal, and the Mets may be wary about committing to him for that long. David Stearns has noted he wants to improve the team's defense and run prevention, and paying a bat-first, aging first baseman may not be the best course of action. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted the Mets would let Alonso walk in free agency and spend on pitching. "Pete Alonso is one of the best in the business at what he does, which is hit home runs and drive in runs in the middle of the lineup," wrote Reuter. "However, it's fair to ask if what he does is really worth the lucrative seven-year deal he is reportedly seeking, as he provides little secondary value with his glove or on the bases, and has a profile that is unlikely to age well given his significant reliance on power production." He was clearly unable to find a long-term deal to his liking last year, which is why he came back to the Mets on a short-term deal. Now, he should have no problem finding a lucrative contract. Meanwhile, the Mets have needs in the rotation, and saving money by not paying Alonso would allow the team to address them. "The young trio of Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat showed potential down the stretch, but they need more veteran stability to serve as the foundation of their 2026 rotation," wrote Reuter. "If that means focusing their spending on arms and shifting Mark Vientos to first base next year, so be it. The team that is willing to meet Alonso's asking price could end up regretting that signing in the long-term, especially if he doesn't help deliver a title in the next couple years." Alonso is one of the best hitters in baseball. However, the Mets have Soto and Lindor, who are both more than capable of carrying an offense. Swapping Alonso out for an average bat, but adding pitching could be better for the Mets in the long run.
