Pete Alonso’s contractual situation has become one of the most delicate issues for the New York Mets ahead of next season. After a campaign in which he once again shone with the bat, the slugger is heading into free agency with multiple suitors on the horizon
In this context, former general manager Jim Duquette issued a clear warning: if the Mets want to keep their star, they must act quickly and decisively.
Do not repeat the mistakes of the past
Duquette recalled that in the last offseason, the Mets let negotiations with Alonso drag on until February, when they finally signed a two-year, $54 million contract with an opt-out clause after 2025, something he said cannot happen again if the team wants to secure its future.
The Schwarber factor and the power market
The former GM also noted that the market could work against the Mets if other sluggers such as Kyle Schwarber sign lucrative contracts, as their offensive numbers are comparable to Alonso’s and could raise his salary expectations in free agency.
A season that revalued Alonso
At 30 years old, Alonso had one of his best campaigns, hitting .272 with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs and an .871 OPS, tying Matt Olson for the National League lead in doubles (41) and ranking among the best in exit velocity, hard-hit percentage and barrels, according to Statcast.
A reasonable offer for both parties
Duquette believes a five-year, $175 million contract, with an average annual value of $35 million, would be enough to retain Alonso, making him the third-highest paid player on the team, behind only Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.
Time is running out for the Mets
With other teams such as the Red Sox and Blue Jays keeping a close eye on the situation, the Mets cannot afford for negotiations to stall again; securing Alonso is not only key to their offense, but also to sending a clear message of ambition to their fans.
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