New York Mets fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief: Pete Alonso, the beloved “Polar Bear” and power-hitting first baseman, is indeed staying in Queens. In a move that secures a key piece of their lineup, Alonso and the Mets have agreed to a two-year, $54 million contract, according to sources familiar with the agreement.
The deal, first reported by the New York Post, was confirmed by an individual who requested anonymity due to the pending physical examination, a standard procedure before official announcements. This agreement ends months of speculation and uncertainty surrounding Alonso’s future with the team, a topic heavily discussed among fans and analysts alike – “Is Pete Alonso Staying With The Mets?” being a prevalent question.
Alonso’s new contract includes a $10 million signing bonus, coupled with annual salaries of $20 million in 2025 and $24 million in 2026. Notably, the agreement also provides Alonso with an opt-out clause after the 2025 season, allowing him to re-enter free agency should he choose. This structure gives Alonso flexibility while providing the Mets with cost certainty for the next two seasons.
Interestingly, the Mets had presented Alonso with a longer, three-year offer valued at $71 million. This initial proposal featured salaries of $27 million in 2025 and $22 million for each of the subsequent two years, also including opt-out options after the first two seasons. However, Alonso and his agent, the prominent Scott Boras, opted for the shorter-term, higher average annual value deal.
Alonso’s decision to remain with the Mets comes after a free agency period where several other notable first basemen found new homes. Christian Walker secured a $60 million, three-year contract with the Houston Astros, while veteran sluggers Paul Goldschmidt and Carlos Santana signed one-year deals with the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians, respectively. Alonso, who turned 30 in December, was arguably the most sought-after first baseman on the market, and his extended time in free agency drew attention.
Mets owner Steve Cohen had publicly expressed his frustration with the negotiation process last month, hinting at the complexities of dealing with Scott Boras, who also represents recently acquired star Juan Soto. Cohen likened the difficulty to the record-breaking $765 million contract negotiations with Soto, emphasizing the challenges in structuring deals that are favorable to the team.
“I don’t like the structures that are being presented to us,” Cohen stated, highlighting the perceived asymmetry of the offers. He acknowledged the ongoing nature of negotiations, stating, “I will never say no. You know, there’s always a possibility.” However, he also alluded to the increasing difficulty of fitting Alonso into the Mets’ payroll as they continued to acquire other players, creating a sense of uncertainty around Alonso’s return.
Prior to switching to Boras as his agent after the 2023 season, Alonso had reportedly turned down a seven-year, $158 million offer in 2023 under his previous representation. Before this new agreement, he played the 2024 season on a $20.5 million one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.
Since his debut with the Mets, Pete Alonso has become a cornerstone of the franchise and a fan favorite at Citi Field. Over his six seasons, he has amassed 226 home runs and earned four All-Star selections. He burst onto the scene by winning the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2019, smashing a major league-leading 53 home runs – a rookie record – and driving in 120 runs while batting .260. In 2022, he recorded a career-high 131 RBIs.
While Alonso’s power remains undeniable, his strikeout rate climbed to a career-high of 172 last year, and his OPS (on-base plus slugging) dipped to a career-low of .788. In 2023, he hit a career-low .217, despite launching 46 home runs and driving in 118 runs. This past season, he batted .240 with 34 homers and 88 RBIs. Despite these fluctuations, moments like his pivotal three-run, ninth-inning home run against Milwaukee in a crucial Wild Card Series game underscore his ability to deliver in clutch situations.
Following their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series, the Mets have been actively reshaping their roster. Notable additions include Juan Soto, Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes, Griffin Canning, A.J. Minter, Sean Manaea, Ryne Stanek, and Jesse Winker. Securing Alonso’s presence in the lineup amidst these changes demonstrates the Mets’ commitment to building a competitive team and valuing established stars alongside new acquisitions. With Pete Alonso staying with the Mets, the team retains a powerful bat and a popular figure, aiming to contend in the upcoming seasons.
