MLB Free Agency is a crazy time period in the baseball world. All 30 MLB teams have the chance to sign players who have reached the end of their contracts and are looking for a new home. MLB Free Agency begins with the conclusion of the season and for 2024-2025 free agency it began on Nov. 6, 2024. Over 2 months has passed since the start of free agency and there is one big name that has still yet to be signed.
That player is first baseman Pete Alonso who has been on the New York Mets since making his debut on opening day in 2019. Pete Alonso hit 53 home runs in his rookie season with the Mets which also makes him the Mets single-season home run record holder. Alonso is also 3rd all time in career home runs in Mets history at 226.
Alonso has already been regarded as one of the most prominent power hitting players in all of baseball by many. Alonso’s biggest moment in his career came this past postseason when Alonso delivered a go ahead 3 run home run in the top of ninth in game 3 of the wildcard series vs the Milwaukee Brewers which prevailed the Mets to a 4-2 victory.
With Alonso’s stats and records he has with the Mets, you would assume he would have been a top priority for the Mets to bring back. But, that has not been the case, as Alonso has declined multiple offers that the Mets have offered. On Jan. 15 the New York Post came out with an article discussing what the Mets have offered Alonso. The article stated, “The New York Mets have been actively negotiating with him but have yet to reach an agreement. The Mets reportedly offered Alonso a three-year contract worth between $68 million and $70 million, which he declined.”
This would put Alonso at 23.33 million annually which would make him the 5th highest paid first baseman in the league. Alonso is being represented by agent Scott Boras who also represents Juan Soto. This past December, Juan Soto got 15 years 765 million dollars from the New York Mets. New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has expressed frustration over the stall negotiations. In an article by Bleacher Report it stated, “Cohen further acknowledged the possibility of moving forward without Alonso, saying, ‘If it stays this way, I think we have to get used to the fact that we may have to go forward with existing players.’”
Boras and Alonso are seeking a longer term contract due securing financial security and for a team to commit to him. The Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco Giants have also been reported to be interested in Alonso.
Since emerging on the scene in 2019, Alonso has been one of the biggest faces for the Mets organization and is a fan favorite amongst Met fans. His energy and passion he brings to the Mets does not go unnoticed along with his play.
Alonso who turned 30 in December, has posted at least a .750 ops and has hit 30 home runs in every season besides 2020 (covid season). If Alonso doesn’t resign, there have been discussions of trying to move Mark Vientos who normally plays third base and trying to switch him over to first.
This can be risky due to not knowing how good defensively Vientos can be at first and now having the hole at third base. It is understandable to see the Mets frustration in their previous negotiations with Alonso, but securing Alonso and keeping him a New York Met can help them in their efforts in bringing a championship back to New York and keeping one of the most consistent power hitting first basemen in all of baseball.
