After a disappointing season for the New York Mets, first baseman Pete Alonso has officially announced that he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent
The decision comes after the team was eliminated from the postseason, closing with a 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins on September 28, 2025. Alonso, who had one year remaining on his contract at $24 million, will be looking for a new destination in MLB.
A season of redemption for Alonso
At 30 years old, Alonso had an outstanding campaign in 2025, playing all 162 regular season games and posting a .272/.347/.524 slash line with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. These numbers represented a significant improvement over his performance in 2024, when his OPS dropped to .788. He also broke the Mets’ record for most home runs in franchise history, surpassing Darryl Strawberry with his 253rd home run.
The contract that set a precedent
In February 2025, Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million contract with the Mets, including an opt-out clause after the first year. This deal made him the highest-paid first baseman in the league that year, with $30 million in salary. However, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.‘s extension with the Toronto Blue Jays for 14 years and $500 million changed the financial landscape for players at his position.
A new beginning outside of New York?
Although Alonso expressed his love for the city and the organization, he made it clear that he is open to new opportunities
I’ve loved being a Met, but nothing is guaranteed.
His performance in 2025 makes him one of the most attractive free agents, and it is already speculated that he could fit perfectly with teams such as the Chicago Cubs or the Seattle Mariners, who are looking to strengthen their offense
However, Alonso’s latest girlfriend came from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who would be an ideal destination for the player as a free agent and fit into the team’s scheme following the departures of Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners.
Options for the Mets without Alonso
Alonso’s departure leaves a significant void in the Mets’ lineup. Among the options to replace him are prospects such as Ryan Clifford and veterans such as Josh Naylor or Paul Goldschmidt. The franchise, which invested more than $1 billion in contracts over the past year, faces an offseason full of key decisions.
A market being redefined
With the first base position gaining value again, Alonso will look to capitalize on his big year to secure a longer contract. Although he would not reach figures like Guerrero Jr. because of his age, his consistency and leadership make him a coveted piece for any team aspiring to compete in 2026, including the Arizona Diamondbacks could be one of the specific destinations for the Florida hitter.
Read the full article here
