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2h ago

Pete Alonso Opts Out as Mets Grapple With Defense Questions, Edwin Díaz Undecided

Team evaluators signal a shift toward using Alonso more at designated hitter to shore up run prevention.

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PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 08: A New York Mets batting helmet in the dugout before a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros at Clover Park on March 8, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 3-1.
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Overview

  • Alonso confirmed he will decline his $24 million 2026 player option and hit free agency after posting 38 home runs, 126 RBIs and an .871 OPS across 162 games.
  • Closer Edwin Díaz said he has not decided on his opt-out and plans to consult his family, while expressing that he would love to return to the Mets.
  • President of baseball operations David Stearns emphasized run prevention in his postmortem and said the club must be open-minded about its position-player mix.
  • Alonso enters the market without a qualifying offer, a factor an AL executive said should significantly widen his pool of suitors.
  • If Alonso re-signs, insiders say the Mets would likely increase his DH usage to mitigate defensive issues, and outside analysts have floated defensive-first alternatives such as a trade for Willson Contreras.