Pete Alonso’s path toward free agency has turned into one of the most talked-about stories in Major League Baseball.
After a rocky 2024 season, one in which he posted a career-low OPS of .788, many doubted whether the New York Mets slugger would have much leverage in contract negotiations.
However, Alonso surprised many by securing a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out clause after the first year, essentially betting on himself to bounce back.
And bounce back he did. In 2025, Alonso proved his doubters wrong with a strong season: he played all 162 games for the second year in a row, finishing with a .272 batting average, 38 home runs, 126 RBIs, and an OPS of .871.
For the first half of the season, the Mets looked like serious contenders, boasting the best record in baseball. Unfortunately, a brutal second-half collapse saw them go 38-55, missing the playoffs entirely.
Despite the team’s struggles, Alonso’s individual resurgence placed him back in the spotlight. After the season concluded, he confirmed what many expected, he would opt out of his contract and test free agency again.
“I’ve loved being a Met,” Alonso told reporters. “Hopefully, they’ve appreciated me the same.”
Alonso reportedly seeks a minimum seven-year contract, which would keep him under contract through his age-37 season. While confident in his value, his demands sparked significant backlash from fans and analysts, many of whom called the request “delusional.”
Critics argue that long-term contracts for players approaching their 30s, especially those with defensive limitations, rarely end well.
Fan reactions divide over Alonso’s future
The reaction across the baseball world has been mixed. On one side, fans argue Alonso deserves to be paid as one of the league’s premier power hitters. After all, few players have matched his consistent home run production since his debut. His 2025 numbers support the idea that he remains an elite offensive weapon.
However, others believe his skill set is too narrow to justify a long-term deal. “He’s a DH trapped in a first baseman’s glove,” one fan wrote.
Comparisons were drawn to two-way players like Shohei Ohtani, whose all-around contributions justify massive deals, unlike Alonso, who offers little on the defensive side.
Some fans even joked that only teams like the Savannah Bananas would consider offering such a deal. Others turned their frustration toward the Mets’ front office, especially David Stearns.
One theory suggests Stearns might allow Alonso to walk in free agency to avoid a long-term risk, possibly replacing him with a cheaper alternative like Wilmer Flores.
Ultimately, Alonso’s next move, and the Mets’ response, will be one of the biggest stories of the offseason. As he seeks a long-term payday, the baseball world watches to see whether any team is willing to meet his demands, or whether reality will bring him back to the negotiating table.
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