The New York Mets face two pressing questions this offseason. One concerns a potential trade for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball and a near lock to claim his second consecutive Cy Young Award. Skubal is under team control through 2026, which makes him even more valuable, but acquiring him would require the Mets to part with several top prospects. Even with that cost, such a move could give the team a true ace to lead its rotation.
The other, equally important question centers on Pete Alonso, the Mets’ all-time home run leader and the heart of their lineup — whether the team will re-sign him. Alonso, now 30, is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, hitting 38 home runs with a .272 batting average and an .871 OPS, his highest since 2019. On September 27, 2025, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, Alonso celebrated a solo home run against the Miami Marlins in the third inning.
- Pete Alonso hit 38 home runs with a .272 average and .871 OPS in 2025, becoming the Mets’ all-time home run leader.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks traded away Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor, leaving major gaps at both corner infield positions.
- Alonso plans to opt out of his “bridge” contract and test free agency, putting pressure on the Mets to decide on his long-term future.
Why Pete Alonso Fits the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks stand out as one of the few teams that could immediately offer Alonso a perfect role. Arizona’s midseason trades — sending Josh Naylor to Seattle on July 25 and Eugenio Suárez on July 31 — left both corner infield spots vacant. Naylor and Suárez had been two of the team’s best power hitters, and their departures created a hole in the lineup and a clear need for a reliable slugger.
Arizona still has a talented group led by Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo, but the loss of its main power sources means the Diamondbacks will likely search for a new cleanup hitter this winter. Chase Field is a hitter-friendly ballpark that could further boost Alonso’s numbers, making it an ideal environment for his style of play.
In an October 17 FOX Sports article, Arizona was listed as one of Alonso’s three best free-agent fits if he decides to leave New York. The report noted that while other teams could pursue him, few have both the need and the ideal hitting conditions that the Diamondbacks offer.
Still, that same article emphasized the word if. The Mets remain the most natural fit — the franchise that drafted Alonso, developed him, and watched him become a fan favorite. Many in Queens hope the front office will find a way to keep him in orange and blue before the 2026 season begins.
Predictions and Expert Opinions
Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston predicted that the Mets might lose Alonso in free agency this winter, though he did not name a specific team. Beaston wrote, “That may depend on whether he is willing to give up first base and slot into the designated hitter spot, with questions about his defensive throwing ability causing concern.”
He continued, “If the Mets do not bring Alonso back, there will be plenty of teams who could benefit from his presence in the lineup. The Philadelphia Phillies are one such team, depending on what happens with impending free agent Kyle Schwarber, as are the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants.”
Beaston added, “There will always be a place for an incredible offensive presence like Alonso, who can turn a game around with a single swing of the bat. The question is how much of a sticking point remaining at first is for him.”
Alonso’s Contract Situation and Market Value
Alonso has referred to his current deal, signed before the 2025 season, as a “bridge” contract — a temporary stop before a larger payday. After another strong campaign, he confirmed that he would opt out and test free agency.
Despite his age, Alonso’s performance in 2025 strengthened his market value. His barrel rate and hard-hit percentage were both career highs, and he once again played all 162 games, showing remarkable durability.
Analysts estimate Alonso could command a three-year deal worth around $90 million or a four-year contract worth about $110 million. If he lands the longer deal, his total earnings between 2025 and 2029 would reach approximately $140 million.
His market outlook also shifted earlier in the year when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a $500 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, taking another elite first baseman off the free-agent market.
Free-agent options include Josh Naylor (Seattle Mariners), Cody Bellinger (Yankees), Paul Goldschmidt and Ryan O’Hearn (Padres), and Rhys Hoskins (Brewers). Among them, only Bellinger had a better 2025 season, and he did so while playing primarily in the outfield. If teams view Alonso as more of a designated hitter, he will face competition from Kyle Schwarber and Marcell Ozuna, while Eugenio Suárez remains his closest right-handed power rival.
The Mets’ Internal and External Options
The Mets’ internal options for replacing Alonso are limited. Mark Vientos struggled in 2025 and saw reduced playing time, while prospect Ryan Clifford performed well in Double-A and Triple-A with an .826 OPS, but he may need more development time before handling MLB pitching.
Externally, the Mets could look to the trade market or pursue a short-term free-agent slugger, but none provide Alonso’s combination of power, consistency, and leadership. The team has the financial means to keep him, yet general manager David Stearns prefers shorter deals, which could open the door for other teams — particularly Arizona — to offer longer-term security.
According to Action Network, when 2026 futures odds reopen after the World Series, the Diamondbacks’ 80–82 record and lack of power bats will likely keep them among longer shots unless they add a middle-of-the-order hitter like Alonso. On the other hand, if the Mets retain Alonso and pull off a trade for Skubal, their odds could improve significantly from their +1400 opening line last spring.
