The New York Mets are moving forward as if Pete Alonso might not return in 2025 after a three-year contract offer was rejected. They are shifting their focus to internal options and free agency to fill the gap.
The New York Mets are seemingly preparing for life without first baseman Pete Alonso . After offering him a three-year contract worth approximately $68 million to $70 million, which was rejected, the team is shifting its focus away from retaining their star slugger. Sources indicate that the Mets believe, barring a last-minute change of heart, Alonso's time with the organization is coming to an end.
The Alonso camp had reportedly presented the Mets with a counteroffer that significantly exceeded the franchise's comfort zone in terms of average annual value. The Mets attempted to bridge the gap with a proposal that would have surpassed $60 million over three years, including opt-outs for Alonso that could have pushed the total value slightly above $70 million if he chose to remain with the team. However, Alonso's aspirations appear to be higher, and the Mets have come to the conclusion that the difference in expectations is too wide to reconcile.The Mets' contingency plan involves moving Mark Vientos to first base and allowing Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty, and Ronny Mauricio to compete for the third base position. The team hopes to mitigate any offensive dip caused by Alonso's departure through the contributions of Juan Soto, acquired via a 15-year, $765 million contract, and a full season from veteran outfielder Jesse Winker. The Mets also aim to bolster their bullpen by capitalizing on a robust free agent market for relief pitchers. Notable names still available include Scott Barlow, Carlos Estevez, Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates. The Mets had previously conveyed to Alonso's representatives that time was of the essence in reaching an agreement, as they were eager to explore other opportunities without waiting indefinitely for Alonso's decision.The Mets had previously extended a seven-year, $158 million contract offer to Alonso in June 2023, covering his final year of club control and six free-agent seasons, but Alonso declined. He subsequently earned $20.5 million in his final arbitration season. Following his rejection, David Stearns assumed control of baseball operations for the Mets. Stearns has expressed a preference for avoiding substantial contracts with players in their 30s, particularly non-athletic corner infielders, emphasizing defensive prowess instead. This shift in philosophy has influenced the Mets' approach to Alonso's future, despite his popularity among fans and his status as the third-highest homerun hitter in franchise history with 226.The Toronto Blue Jays are now considered a strong contender in the Alonso sweepstakes. They have faced challenges attracting top-tier talent to Canada and are eager to reverse this trend. Signing Alonso would allow them to pair him with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who could potentially return to his original third base position or share first base and designated hitter at-bats with Alonso.Alonso concluded the previous season with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs, career lows for a full season, along with a career-worst .788 OPS. However, he performed admirably in the playoffs, posting a .999 OPS and hitting four home runs in 13 games, including a crucial go-ahead, three-run homer against Milwaukee in the ninth inning off closer Devin Williams, which propelled the Mets to the NLDS. Despite this resurgence, Alonso has been overlooked in the recent flurry of transactions among first basemen this offseason. Notable changes include Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Burger, Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Naylor, Carlos Santana, and Walker all landing in new teams. Additionally, the Detroit Tigers removed themselves from the first-base market after signing Gleyber Torres to play second base and shifting Colt Keith to first base.Therefore, the Mets are currently operating under the assumption that one of the most formidable power hitters in their history will be playing elsewhere in 2025. They are prepared to take their chances with a revamped lineup that incorporates the addition of Soto and a rotation featuring the retained Sean Manaea for three years and $75 million, as well as the acquisition of Frankie Montas to compensate for the loss of Luis Severino. These moves represent a significant transformation of a roster that surprised many with its journey to the NLCS last season, where they ultimately fell to the World Series-winning Dodgers in six games.
MLB Mets Pete Alonso Free Agency Mark Vientos Luisangel Acuña Juan Soto David Stearns
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