After the New York Mets signed Juan Soto to the largest deal in Major League Baseball history, it was presumed that the Mets were going to let All Star and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso walk in free agency.
After reports that the Mets ownership is willing to spend upwards of a billion dollars this year in free agency to win a World Series, it is now more likely that Pete Alonso Resigns with the New York Mets.
No One Wants to Pay Pete Alonso What he Wants
Pete Alonso was the top first baseman available this free agency and is still out there looking for his new team. While fellow first baseman’s Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, Josh Naylor and Carlos Santana found deals with teams that are currently contenders. Some teams are seeing Alonso as a possible risk for the amount that he is asking for.
Following the 2023 season, the Mets offered Alonso a seven-year contract extension worth $158 million. Alonso declined in hopes for a bigger payday after the 2024 season, betting on himself. A bet that has not paid off, as now he looks to be earning a projected five-year $125 million dollar deal instead.
Alonso has yet to recreate his magical rookie season where he mashed 53 home runs and won National League Rookie of the Year, he has hit over 34 home runs the last four years and topped over 40 twice. The effect of having Juan Soto in the line-up should help improve his batting average and create more opportunities to help the team.
New York Mets Landing a Deal
The New York Mets would be landing a deal of the century if they are able to extend Pete Alonso for less than was what was offered after 2023 and winning the Juan Soto lottery would be huge for the future of the New York Mets. To land a slugger of the likes of Pete Alonso for less instead of trying to replace the home run hitter would open up more opportunities to add to the team still.
Pete Alonso is likely to go for a shorter deal to earn a bigger payout in the next go around of free agency, but hitting before or after Juan Soto should be enticing for Alonso to help his numbers as well and a chance of winning a championship with the team he came up with.
The New York Mets should try to get this deal done now as not many other big name, big spending franchises need a first baseman anymore. Signing Pete Alonso for cheap, the Mets would have arguably one of the best lineups in baseball.
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