January 2, 2025

LINK TO ARTICLE: https://overthelinesports.ca/mlb/f/pete-alonsos-contract-hopes-put-on-ice

The ice is beginning to melt for the ‘Polar Bear’ Pete Alonso, who is still in search of a free-agent contract this offseason. 

In 2023, Joel Sherman reported Alonso was offered a 7-year, $158 million contract extension, which could have made him a New York Met for life. He rejected the offer, seeking a higher contract through the free agency market at the end of the 2024 season.

Although Alonso’s heart may have been in the right place regarding a higher contract, his head was not. Noted as one of the most consistent hitters in the major leagues, Alonso underperformed for the majority of the 2024 season, slashing only .240/.329/.459 with a career-worst .788 OPS. His 34 home runs and 88 RBI are also his lowest totals in a full 162-game season. 

Per Jeff Passan, Alonso’s profile as a 30-year-old, right-handed hitting and throwing first baseman also has teams hesitant to sign him to a long-term deal. Many are no longer interested and there are some teams that still “see great value in adding him for the next few years.”

While talks with Alonso are stagnant, the Mets are still trying to retain their homegrown player; although sources indicate that there is a significant financial gap between the parties. According to Dan Bartels, the Mets recently offered Alonso a 3-year, $90 million contract, which he declined. Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, has indicated that the superstar slugger is seeking a contract in the range of $175-200 million. 

Regardless of the two parties’ contract views, the Mets are still regarded league-wide as the favourites to re-sign Alonso. Alonso has expressed his desire to stay in Queens multiple times, even giving the Mets the final chance to match any team’s offer. However, the San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners are also seen as potential suitors if talks with the Mets fall through.

If the Mets fail to re-sign Alonso, they are expected to pivot to signing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman and move their current third baseman, Mark Vientos, to first base to cover Alonso’s absence.