One of the greatest sluggers in the history of the New York Mets is Pete Alonso, the team’s first baseman. In his seven-year career, the 30-year-old, four-time All-Star has amassed 228 home runs, 594 RBIs, and 20.2 bWAR. Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, Alonso has been one of the Mets’ most consistent players.
Alonso re-signed with the Mets this past offseason on a two-year, $54 million contract after becoming a free agent for the first time in his career. The contract includes a player opt-out after the first season, so he could be set to hit the open market again after the 2025 World Series.
While Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be the biggest 2025 free agent, particularly at Alonso’s position, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported “it will be an upset now” if Toronto does not re-sign him. The MLB insider wrote in an additional column, “The belief remains that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays will figure it out for close to $500 million.
Amid this news, the Mets face a decision on Alonso’s future. With Guerrero likely not walking through the door, the Mets must decide how committed they are to Alonso as their long-term first baseman.
“So how do they let him leave next winter?” Heyman made a rhetorical question. Some will think that because Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a 26-year-old superstar, the Mets will try to sign him. But up there is where Guerrero belongs, a Canadian citizen who was raised north of the border. Recently, Jays baseball president Mark Shapiro said he had optimism they will complete the contract and that it would be a shock if they didn’t.
Hitters like Alonso don’t hit the open market often. Additionally, Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown little restraint in handing out huge contracts in free agency. Take, for example, the $765 million he gave to Juan Soto in December.
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