The New York Mets were the best team in Major League Baseball two months into the season before their performance declined sharply, ending the year in disappointment. As the season progressed, uncertainty surrounded whether first baseman Pete Alonso would return once the season ended.
- Pete Alonso opted out of the final year and $24 million of his two-year, $54 million contract signed in February.
- MLB insider Jon Morosi said there is a better than 50/50 chance Alonso is not a Met on Opening Day.
- The Boston Red Sox have been identified as the top outside threat, with the Pittsburgh Pirates also involved in monitoring the market.
Alonso’s Public Comments During the Season
During the season, Alonso said his focus remained on completing the year rather than free agency.
“But again, we’ll see what happens. I love it, it’s great, but you can’t really predict anything,” Alonso said. “And for me… I am focused on trying to put this thing across the finish line. I haven’t really thought about the free agent thing until we’re talking about it right now. It would be great to stay. But, again, whatever happens, happens. I can’t get a crystal ball. I wish I could, but we’ll see.”
Opt-Out Decision Confirmed After Elimination
After the Mets’ season ended, Pete Alonso made his intentions known almost immediately. As MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand described it, moments after the team’s abrupt finish on Sunday afternoon, Alonso had barely removed his uniform when he stated that he planned to test the free-agent market for a second straight winter. He chose to opt out of the final year and $24 million remaining on the two-year, $54 million contract he signed in February.
During the winter meetings, MLB insider Jon Morosi offered his blunt assessment, saying there was “a better than 50/50 chance Pete Alonso is NOT a New York Met on Opening Day.”
Roster Changes and Market Indicators
Following the season, the Mets traded Brandon Nimmo, an important part of the team’s core. Jeff McNeil has been identified as a likely next move. Reports also suggested the vibes in the clubhouse had been “slightly off,” potentially contributing to the Mets’ roster reset.
During this period, projected betting expectations connected to major sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM indicated that the Mets were no longer viewed as an obvious favorite to retain Alonso. Projections placed New York in a +250 to +350 range, with the Boston Red Sox closely positioned behind them.
Red Sox Labeled the Primary Threat
MLB insider Jon Heyman identified Boston as the leading challenger to New York during a Bleacher Report livestream. “The Mets are the #1 suitor. It’s going to take some time, but the top threat besides the Mets is the Red Sox,” Heyman said.
Alonso is reaching free agency again after another strong season for the Mets, and is seeking long-term financial security rather than another short-term deal.
Reports state that Alonso told friends Boston ranks “high on his list” of preferred destinations.
Kyle Schwarber has also been mentioned as a factor in the market. Schwarber is another top slugger, but Alonso is younger and can still play defense to some extent, while Schwarber has been a full-time designated hitter for some time. The Red Sox have been linked to both players.
Boston also has needs in starting pitching and the bullpen while continuing to prioritize adding power to its lineup.
Pirates Remain Involved on the Edges
Bob Nightengale reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates are “hanging around in the market for Alonso.”
The Pirates have stated they plan an active offseason. Financially, their ticket and concession revenues from 2022 through 2024 roughly equaled player payroll. Fans have urged owner Bob Nutting to build around rising ace Paul Skenes.
