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2h ago

Pete Alonso Opts Out as Mets Weigh Price to Keep Their Home Run King

Interest grows in a premier bat despite first-base defense concerns, pressing New York to gauge term and dollars.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 25: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets hits a double during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets walks back to the dugout after the final out of the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 27, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Calvin Hernandez/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 29: A general view of New York Mets logo seats before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on May 29, 2024 in the Queens borough of New York City. An Ex-Mets GM has spoken out about the incident that led to his firing.
Sep 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan (41) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Alonso declined a $24 million 2026 salary to re-enter free agency minutes after the Mets were eliminated.
  • He delivered a career-best offensive year at .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs and 41 doubles, finishing second in MLB in RBIs and tied for the NL lead in doubles.
  • Defensive metrics sagged to -9 Outs Above Average (second percentile) as he maintained a preference to play first base rather than serve primarily as a DH.
  • Speculation points to multiple suitors, with the Phillies labeled a “pretty realistic” landing spot by a pundit and the Red Sox and Yankees cited by insiders as potential fits.
  • Mets baseball chief David Stearns says he wants Alonso back while the club also faces a broader offseason reset that includes numerous free agents, no qualifying-offer leverage on Alonso, Jeff McNeil trade chatter and coach Glenn Sherlock’s retirement.