The MLB free agent market is set for a shake-up, and one of the hottest names is Pete Alonso of the New York Mets
After opting out of his contract, Alonso has been linked with the Seattle Mariners, an emerging powerhouse in the American League looking to bolster its offense for the 2026 season.
Seattle, a new home for the Mets slugger
The Mariners are just two wins away from their first World Series, but they face significant voids in their lineup. With Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez as free agents, the team needs a power hitter who can fill the heart of the offensive order. Alonso, who hit 38 home runs and drove in 126 runs in 2025, fits that profile perfectly.
A lethal duo with Cal Raleigh
Alonso’s potential arrival in Seattle would reunite him with Cal Raleigh, the young outfielder who has been considered Aaron Judge‘s main rival in the battle for offensive dominance in the American League. Raleigh, an MVP candidate, usually bats second, which would leave Alonso as the fourth batter in a fearsome lineup.
Market value and contractual demands
According to Spotrac, Alonso is seeking a seven-year contract with an annual value close to $29.4 million. This puts him ahead of Naylor, who is projected to receive just over $15 million per season. The investment would be significant, but the Mariners are in a position to compete and could make a big play for the Mets slugger.
History and records with the Mets
Alonso, 31, became the Mets’ all-time home run leader with 264 homers in just seven seasons. His consistency and ability to drive in runs has made him one of the most feared bats in MLB. In 2025, he posted an offensive line of .272/.347/.524 in 162 games.
The context of his departure from Queens
Last season, Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million contract with an opt-out clause after a slow market due to his slump in 2024. However, his resurgence in 2025 has once again placed him among the elite, and this time his free agent will be much more active, with several teams interested in his services.
A renewed offensive in Seattle
If Alonso signs with the Mariners, he would share the lineup with Dominic Canzone, who has been the designated hitter in October, and with Rodriguez, consolidating an offensive core capable of competing for the title. Canzone’s defensive flexibility would allow Alonso to focus on first base, even if his defense begins to decline.
The move that changes the American League?
Alonso’s arrival in Seattle would not only bolster the Mariners, but also alter the balance of power in the AL West. With the Astros and Rangers as contenders, signing the slugger could be the definitive step for Seattle to establish itself as a favorite in the league and, incidentally, give Alonso the opportunity to compete for his first World Series.
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